You Are the Church: It’s Time to Make a Difference

You Are the Church: It’s Time to Make a Difference

by | Nov 5, 2024 | Empowerment

Hello Reader,

Ever feel like church is just another item on your weekly checklist?

What if I told you that it’s more than just a Sunday tradition—it’s something you are?

In my latest blog post, I explore what it truly means to move from attending church to being the church.

Spoiler:
It’s about connection, commitment, and living your faith every single day.

Ready to dive in and discover how to make faith a lifestyle, not an event? Click below to read more and get inspired.

👉 Read the Full Post Here​

Let’s make a difference together.

— Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
You Are the Church: Moving Beyond Attendance to Living Faith

You Are the Church: Moving Beyond Attendance to Living Faith

by | Nov 4, 2024 | Empowerment

The Church is More Than a Building

What comes to mind when you hear the word "church"?

For many, it's the building they pass by, the place they go to on Sundays, or maybe the sanctuary they seek for some peace. But the church isn't just a building or a weekly meeting—the church is something you are.

The Bible describes the church as a living group of people, not just bricks and mortar. It's a movement with a mission and shared faith. Today, let's explore how you can go from just attending to being the church.

The church isn’t just a place you go—it’s something you are. Let’s live our faith beyond Sundays. #BeTheChurch #FaithInAction

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The Heart of the Church: A Living, Breathing Community

In the New Testament, Jesus' idea of the church radically differed from how we often see it today. He didn't imagine His followers simply attending services and going through rituals.

He saw them as a living expression of faith, united to help and support each other. To understand this better, let’s look at the early church—the community described in Acts 2:42-47.

These early believers weren't just casual attendees; they were devoted to each other, sharing meals, praying, and helping one another daily.

This deep connection and care were called koinonia, a word that embodies fellowship, shared purpose, and community. They lived life together beyond the four walls of a building, and this distinction between being the church rather than attending the church made all the difference. It's the difference between checking off a box and living with real intention and purpose.

Commitment is the bedrock of real community. The early church thrived because they invested in each other, not just when it was easy. #Community #ChurchLife

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Being an active, living part of the church means realizing that faith isn't just about a set of traditions or routines. It's about relationships—relationships with God, other believers, and the world around us.

When Jesus spoke about His followers being a light to the world, He wasn't just talking about isolated moments of good behavior. He spoke of a community actively engaging with the world and reflecting God's love and truth daily.

Commitment to the Foundation of Real Community

The word ekklesia, which we often translate as "church," originally meant "gathering" or "assembly." But this wasn't just a Sunday gathering. It was a group of people living with intentionality—united by their belief in Jesus Christ and a mission to share His love with the world.

Their unity wasn't passive or born of convenience; it was sacrificial and transformative. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church, and it's clear He was referring to the people, not a physical place.

Commitment is the bedrock of a real community. Today, it's easy to fall into the mindset of "joining" groups as long as they meet our needs. However, the early church modeled something different: they committed to each other—not just when it was easy, but even when it cost them their time, energy, and resources. Their community was about creating a family, a group of people who could lean on one another no matter the circumstance.

They weren't just interested in being comfortable. They wanted to grow, help each other, and serve others. They weren't looking for convenience; they were building something much deeper—a fellowship that made a real difference in each other's lives. This kind of commitment can transform a community, and it starts with each of us deciding to be fully invested.

How to Move From Attending to Being the Church

You might wonder, "What does it look like to live as the church today?" Here are some practical ways to embody this principle and move from being a mere attendee to truly being the church.

1. Make Prayer and Worship Part of Your Daily Rhythm

For the early church, prayer wasn't confined to certain hours on a Sunday. It was woven into the fabric of daily life. It grounded them and created a spiritual rhythm that unified them. How can you bring prayer into your daily routine? Consider starting small—like praying before you start your day or praying for a friend during your commute. These simple acts reinforce the idea that church isn't an isolated event but a relationship with God that influences every part of your life.

One powerful practice is to pray with someone else. This week, reach out to someone in your community—a friend, a coworker, or a neighbor—and ask if you can pray together. It doesn't have to be elaborate or lengthy. Prayer builds unity, deepens our connection to God, and reminds us that we're not meant to journey through life alone.

2. Build Relationships Outside of Sunday Services

True fellowship extends beyond a smile and a handshake during a church service. The early believers met daily, breaking bread and sharing their lives. They genuinely knew each other, and it's no wonder that their community thrived. Genuine fellowship means doing life together—being there for one another in good times and bad, celebrating each other's victories, and comforting each other in hardship.

To build these connections, take the initiative to meet with others outside of scheduled church events. Invite someone for coffee or have a family over for dinner. When you make an effort to create bonds beyond the walls of the building, the church starts to feel less like an event and more like a true family.

True fellowship goes beyond a handshake on Sunday. It’s about doing life together—celebrating, supporting, and growing with each other. #ChurchFamily #Fellowship

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3. Practice Generosity, Even in Small Ways

In Acts 2, it says that believers "had everything in common" and shared their possessions with those in need. Generosity was a reflection of the shared life they had.

Today, generosity doesn't always mean giving large amounts of money; it can be as simple as sharing your time, talents, or even a listening ear.

Consider volunteering at your church, reaching out to a neighbor in need, or supporting someone through a difficult time.

Generosity brings people together, creating a culture of mutual care and empathy. It transforms our perspective from being church consumers to active participants in God's work.

Generosity isn’t always about money. Sharing your time, your skills, or a listening ear is just as valuable in God’s Kingdom. #Generosity #ServeOthers

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4. Encourage One Another Daily

In Hebrews 3:13, believers are encouraged to uplift each other daily so they don't become hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Encouragement is a powerful way to embody the church—it brings hope, reaffirms purpose, and strengthens relationships. Imagine how much lighter our burdens would feel if we made it a habit to encourage each other daily.

Take a moment today to send a text, make a call, or write a note to someone in your community. Let them know they're valued and that you're grateful they're part of your life. Small gestures can make a huge impact, reminding us all that we're not alone.

Living as the Church: Everywhere, All the Time

When we embrace the idea that we are the church, we see our role in the world differently. Church isn't something you attend once a week—it's a way of life. It's embodied in your interactions with coworkers, the way you treat your neighbors, and how you show up in the lives of your friends and family.

The early Christians didn't compartmentalize their faith. It was the foundation of everything they did, and it's why they were able to change the world. You, too, can reflect God's love in your everyday life. When you bring the spirit of the church into your workplace, social circles, and community, you are helping to build the Kingdom of God—brick by brick, through every act of kindness, compassion, and service.

The beauty of being the church is that it isn't limited by time or space. It doesn't stop after the Sunday service or when you leave the building. The church is present in every situation where believers carry out God's love and care. Whether you're comforting a friend, helping a neighbor, or simply being kind to a stranger, you are representing Christ and embodying the true meaning of the church.

Being the church means reflecting God’s love every day, not just on Sundays. It’s a lifestyle, not an event. #LivingFaith #DailyDevotion

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Conclusion: You Are the Church

Ultimately, you are the church. Wherever you go, the spirit of the church goes with you, transforming everyday interactions into opportunities to reflect God's love. It's in your conversations, your prayers, and your actions.

It's in the kindness you show a stranger and the grace you extend to a friend. Being the church means understanding that faith isn't just about what happens on a Sunday morning—it's about what happens daily.

May we be a community living out the call to love God and our neighbors, taking inspiration from the early believers who knew that genuine faith is never confined to a building.

May we embody the spirit of the early church, becoming a beacon of hope and purpose, showing the world the power of a unified, purpose-driven community. 

Let's move beyond attendance and embrace the call to be the church—everywhere we go, in everything we do.


Next Steps

  1. Watch the replay that inspired this blog post on YouTube.
  2. Listen to the Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast.
  3. Check out my latest book, Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation, on Amazon.

🎯 Today’s Choice Determines Tomorrow’s Path (When God Whispers, But We Keep Walking…)

🎯 Today’s Choice Determines Tomorrow’s Path (When God Whispers, But We Keep Walking…)

by | Oct 29, 2024 | Empowerment

Welcome to This Week’s Mars Hill Anywhere Update!

Happy Tuesday Reader,

Have you ever felt that gentle nudge from God, pointing you in a direction different from your plans?

This week, we’re exploring something that touches our lives: the choice between following our path or trusting God’s guidance.

In my latest message, “When We Choose Not to See: God’s Path vs. Our Plans,” I explore why we sometimes miss the signs God provides in our lives.

Through compelling stories from the Bible, such as those of Samson and Jonah, I emphasize that while God’s path may be challenging at times, it ultimately leads us to where we need to be.

Think about it: How often have we faced crossroads where our plans pulled us one way while God quietly showed us another direction?

These moments aren’t just tests – they’re opportunities to grow closer to Him and discover His perfect timing in our lives.

This week, we invite you to join our community in reflecting on this important message. Whether you’re watching from home, on your lunch break, or during your evening quiet time, remember: you’re part of a family learning and growing together in faith.

🎯 This Week’s Focus:

  • Recognizing God’s signs in our daily lives
  • Understanding why His path is always the best choice
  • Learning from biblical examples of choosing between our plans and God’s guidance.

Let’s walk this path together, supporting each other as we learn to see and follow God’s direction.

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Daily Devotion: Opening Our Eyes to God’s Direction 👀

Seeing the Signs but Choosing to Ignore Them

“There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”

  • Proverbs 14:12 (NLT)

A Moment of Truth

Have you ever driven past a “Road Closed” sign, thinking, “It probably isn’t that bad”? Sometimes, we do the same thing in life. We see God’s warning signs but keep going anyway, hoping everything will work out.

Learning from Bible Heroes

  • Samson’s Story: He saw the warning signs with Delilah but ignored them because he thought he was strong enough.
  • Jonah’s Journey: He tried to run from God’s plan and ended up in a whale! Taking the hard road sometimes teaches us why God’s way is better.

What This Means for Us Today

Think about areas where you might say, “I know, God, but…” Maybe it’s:

  • A relationship that doesn’t feel right
  • A decision you’re unsure about
  • A path you’re taking even though your heart feels uneasy

Your Next Step

Take 5 minutes today to:

  1. Sit quietly with God
  2. Ask yourself: “What signs have I been ignoring?”
  3. Write down any thoughts that come to mind
  4. Pray for courage to follow God’s lead

Today’s Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for caring enough to guide us, even when we’re stubborn. Give us brave hearts to see Your signs and follow Your path. Help us trust that Your way is always the best.

Amen 🙏

💭 Reflection Question of the Week:

“What gentle nudge from God have you felt lately?”

Share your thoughts in our online community group or reflect privately in your journal.

🎧 New on The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast

Don’t miss this week’s episode: “Deep Dive: Why We Choose Not To See – Eyes Wide Shut.”

This powerful episode explores what happens when we recognize but ignore warning signs. Through the biblical story of Samson and Delilah, we examine how this plays out in our daily lives – from relationships to career decisions. Learn practical ways to align your choices with God’s guidance for a more fulfilling life.

​Listen now on your favorite platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and our website.

Perfect companion to this Sunday’s message!

Join Us This Week! 🗓️

Sunday Worship – November 3, 2024,

Two Ways to Connect:

🖥️ Online Service

  • Time: 10:30 AM Central
  • Platform: Mars Hill Anywhere (YouTube & Facebook Live)
  • Perfect for our digital family joining from home

🏢 In-Person Gathering

  • Time: 10:30 AM Central
  • Location: 7941 47th St, McCook, IL 60525
  • Join us for live worship and fellowship

Ways to Participate:

  • Set a calendar reminder to join us online
  • Share the service link with friends and family
  • Connect with other members in the live chat
  • Submit your prayer requests before the service
  • Prepare your heart for worship with our weekly playlist

Quick Tips for the Best Online Experience:

  • Log in a few minutes early to test your connection
  • Have your Bible ready for note-taking
  • Keep your device charged or plugged in
  • Use headphones for better audio quality

Whether you join us online or in person, you’re essential to our Mars Hill family. We can’t wait to worship with you!

How to Support Mars Hill

Your support helps us spread hope and share God’s love with our community and beyond. Here are some ways you can get involved:

  1. Give: Your financial gifts make a difference. You can give online through our secure website or use our mobile app.
  2. Serve: We have many opportunities to serve, both in-person and virtually. Check out our website for current needs.
  3. Pray: Please keep our church, leaders, and community in your prayers. Your prayers are powerful!
  4. Invite: Do you know someone who might benefit from our message? Invite them to join us online or in person this Sunday.
  5. Share: Help spread the word by sharing our social media posts or forwarding this email to a friend.

Your generosity keeps Mars Hill thriving and helps us reach more people with God’s love. If you feel led to contribute, here are some ways you can support our ministry:

  1. ​Online Giving: Visit our website to set up one-time or recurring donations securely.
  2. Text-to-Give: Text MHGIVE to 33777 and follow the prompts.
  3. Sunday Offering: Drop your gift in the offering basket during our in-person services.
  4. Mail: Send checks to:

Mars Hill Baptist Church
PO Box 6159
River Forest, IL 60305

Remember, every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Your support allows us to:

  • Maintain our temporary church home
  • Fund community outreach programs
  • Provide resources for Life Groups
  • Expand our online ministry
  • Invest in equipment, tools, cameras, and software to grow our online campus.

We’re grateful for your partnership in spreading the Gospel and serving our community in person and online.

Please consider giving today and help us grow in faith and impact.

Thank You for Being Part of Mars Hill Anywhere

We are so blessed to have you in our Mars Hill Anywhere family! Whether you join us in person or connect online, your presence, prayers, and support strengthen this community. Together, we are building a place where everyone can grow in faith and experience God’s love, no matter where they are.

As we move forward, I encourage you to take action this week:

  • Watch one of the powerful messages we’ve shared.
  • Join us for our online stream on November 3, 2024, at 10:30 AM Central.
  • Engage with our blog or podcast to dive deeper into what God speaks to us.
  • ​Please support Mars Hill in any way you can, whether through giving, volunteering, or simply sharing our resources with someone who needs them.

Let’s continue to grow together in faith and love, supporting one another through every season. We’d love to hear from you if you have any questions, feedback, or prayer requests. Reply to this email or reach out directly—we’re here for you!

Have a blessed week, and we’ll see you soon.

See you Sunday!

Here to help you win,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. Don’t forget to join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central for our online service. Set your reminder now! ⏰
Have you ever caught yourself deliberately ignoring life’s warning signs? (A hard truth we need to discuss…)

Have you ever caught yourself deliberately ignoring life’s warning signs? (A hard truth we need to discuss…)

by | Oct 28, 2024 | Empowerment

Happy Monday Reader,

Have you ever had that gut feeling something wasn’t right, but you pushed it aside anyway?

Maybe it was…

  • That friendship that used to energize you but now leaves you drained
  • A job that’s slowly dimming your inner light
  • Or even a situation you know deep down needs to change but you’re not ready to face it.

I just published a raw and honest blog post about this human tendency – how we can open our eyes wide yet choose not to see what’s right in front of us.

You know what fascinates me? The story of Samson – this powerful man who literally had warning signs in plain sight (Did you know Delilah’s name meant “to weaken” in Hebrew? Talk about a red flag!) Yet he chose to ignore them all.

Sound familiar?

In this post, I break down:

  • Why we develop selective vision with uncomfortable truths
  • The real cost of avoiding what we already know
  • Practical steps to break the cycle of avoidance
  • How to find courage when facing what we’ve been ignoring

→ Read the full post here: When We Choose Not to See: Recognizing Life’s Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late​

Here’s a quick snippet that might hit home:

Remember, seeing the truth doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers immediately. Sometimes, simply acknowledging what you’ve been avoiding is enough to begin shifting your perspective and opening doors to new solutions.

If you’re wrestling with a situation you might choose not to see, this post is for you.

And if it resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What warning signs have you noticed yourself choosing to ignore?

Walking this journey with you,

Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
​See All of my Links @ Linktree​

​

P.S. After reading the post, make sure to watch the entire message on YouTube, where I dive even deeper into this topic. The discussion in the comments has been incredibly powerful.
When We Choose Not to See: Recognizing Life’s Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late

When We Choose Not to See: Recognizing Life’s Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late

by | Oct 28, 2024 | Decisions, Empowerment, Motivation, Prayer

We've all been there - that moment when we know something isn't quite right, but we push the feeling aside.

Maybe it's a relationship that's slowly draining us, a job that's lost its spark, or a nagging health concern we're trying to ignore. Like walking through a familiar room with our eyes half-closed, we navigate these situations aware of the truth but choosing not to fully face it.

This fascinating human tendency - to see yet not see - can shape the course of our lives in profound ways.

The Paradox of Selective Vision

Life often presents us with clear warning signs, yet we develop an uncanny ability to look past them. Think about that friendship that once brought joy but now leaves you feeling empty, or the career that's slowly dimming your inner light. Your mind registers these signs - the constant negativity from a friend, the Monday morning dread that extends into every other day - but something holds you back from acknowledging their full weight.

Life often presents us with clear warning signs, yet we develop an uncanny ability to look past them.



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This selective vision isn't just about avoiding discomfort; it's a complex dance between awareness and denial. We see the truth in fragments, accepting it piece by piece, like slowly adjusting to light in a dark room. The challenge isn't in seeing the signs - they're often crystal clear. The real struggle lies in gathering the courage to act on what we already know.

Samson's Story: A Tale of Ignored Warnings

The biblical account of Samson provides a powerful illustration of this human tendency. Here was a man of legendary strength, chosen by God for a specific purpose, yet he repeatedly ignored clear warning signs in his relationship with Delilah. The name "Delilah" itself meant "to weaken" or "to exhaust" in Hebrew - a warning sign hidden in plain sight.

Samson's story unfolds in Gaza, a Philistine stronghold where archaeological evidence confirms the historical context of this cautionary tale. Despite his incredible physical strength, Samson's inability to heed warning signs led to his capture and imprisonment. His journey reminds us that even our greatest strengths can't protect us when we choose to ignore clear signals of danger.

Lesson From Samson: Our greatest strengths can't protect us when we choose to ignore clear signals of danger.



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Breaking the Cycle of Avoidance

Recognizing that we're ignoring warning signs is the first step, but how do we move from awareness to action? The key lies in understanding that avoiding truth doesn't change it - it only delays our encounter with reality and often makes the eventual confrontation more challenging. Here are practical steps to break this cycle:

  • Ask for Clarity: Instead of rushing to conclusions or avoiding thoughts altogether, take time to seek genuine understanding of your situation.
  • Seek Wise Counsel: Share your concerns with trusted friends or mentors who can offer objective perspectives and support.
  • Trust Your Instincts: Those initial feelings of unease often contain valuable wisdom. Rather than dismissing them, explore what they might be telling you.
  • Take Small Steps: You don't have to solve everything at once. Start with small actions that acknowledge the reality you've been avoiding.

Avoiding truth doesn't change it - it only delays our encounter with reality and often makes the eventual confrontation more challenging.



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Finding Courage in Vulnerability

Opening our eyes to uncomfortable truths requires courage, but it also offers freedom.

When we finally face what we've been avoiding - whether it's a toxic relationship, an unfulfilling career, or a personal challenge - we create space for new possibilities. This vulnerability, though frightening, becomes the foundation for authentic growth and positive change.

Remember, seeing the truth doesn't mean you have to have all the answers immediately. Sometimes, simply acknowledging what you've been avoiding is enough to begin shifting your perspective and opening doors to new solutions.

When we finally face what we've been avoiding - whether it's a toxic relationship, an unfulfilling career, or a personal challenge - we create space for new possibilities.



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Conclusion

The choice to see clearly isn't always easy, but it's invariably worth making.

Like Samson, we all have areas where we might be choosing selective vision, hoping things will somehow work out on their own. Yet true peace and purpose come not from avoiding reality but from facing it with courage and wisdom. The signs we need are often already there - we just need to choose to see them.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Take a moment this week to reflect on areas in your life where you might be choosing not to see. Choose one situation that's been nagging at you, and write down the warning signs you've noticed but perhaps been avoiding. Then, take one small, concrete step toward addressing it - whether that's having a difficult conversation, seeking professional advice, or simply acknowledging the truth to yourself. Remember, you don't have to face these challenges alone.

 True peace and purpose come not from avoiding reality but from facing it with courage and wisdom.



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Want to Go Deeper?

  1. Watch the full message on YouTube. Dive into a deeper exploration of this topic and gain additional insights about recognizing and responding to life's warning signs.
  2. Grab a copy of Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation:
     Learn how to strengthen your prayer life and develop a deeper connection with God's guidance.
  3. Check out my Podcast: Join me for weekly discussions about leadership, faith, and personal growth.

Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor who can support you in taking these important steps toward positive change. Sometimes, the most significant growth happens when we stop choosing not to see and start embracing the truth that leads to transformation.

🎯 When Breaking Points Become Breakthroughs | Mars Hill Update

🎯 When Breaking Points Become Breakthroughs | Mars Hill Update

by | Oct 23, 2024 | Empowerment

Welcome to This Week’s Mars Hill Anywhere Update!

Happy Wednesday Reader,

Welcome to this week’s update from Mars Hill Anywhere. We’re excited to share some great news and happenings with you.

In this newsletter, we’ll cover:

  1. A quick look at our recent in-person service
  2. How our online community is growing stronger
  3. A recap of last Sunday’s sermon
  4. The fantastic response to “Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation.”
  5. Coming soon: Our new YouTube feature: “Motivational Moments Weekly Devotional.”
  6. Ways you can support Mars Hill

We’re thrilled to keep you connected with everything in our church family. Let’s dive in and see what God is doing in our midst!

Our Sunday Service: A Time of Transformation

What an incredible Sunday we shared!

First, a huge thank you to our fantastic setup and teardown team. Your dedication shows up hours before anyone else arrives and stays long after everyone leaves.

Every week, you turn a space into a warm, welcoming home for our church family. We see your heart for service, and we’re deeply grateful.

Our worship team created such a beautiful atmosphere of praise. As voices joined together, you could feel God’s presence filling the room, bringing peace and joy to every heart present.

This week’s message struck a powerful chord: “Your Breaking Point Is Your Breakthrough Point.”

We learned that the moments when we feel most broken aren’t the end of our story—they’re the beginning of God’s most significant work.

If you’re overwhelmed, remember this truth:

God specializes in turning our struggles into stepping stones for spiritual growth and victory.

Every tear, challenge, and difficult moment can testify to God’s faithfulness when we trust Him with our breaking points. He’s not finished with your story yet.

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Growing Stronger Together Online

Our Mars Hill Anywhere family continues to amaze us!

Each week, we see more of you joining us from across the country and worldwide.

Your engagement during our online services – from the chat messages of encouragement to the prayer requests you share – shows that distance can’t dim the light of true community.

Here’s what we’re seeing:

  • Members join early just to greet each other
  • Prayer partners connect in real-time during services
  • Small groups form naturally as online members connect with others in their time zones

A special shout-out to our “Digital Pastors,” who use the chat to welcome first-time visitors.

Your friendly “hellos” and warm welcomes make a real difference!

Last Sunday alone, 27 first-time visitors told us they felt “right at home” because of your kindness.

Remember, Mars Hill Anywhere isn’t just about watching a service—it’s about being part of a family.

Whether you join us from your living room, kitchen, or even during your lunch break at work, you’re helping build a community where everyone belongs.

Want to connect more? Join one of our online small groups or become a virtual greeter.

Send us a message, and we’ll help you find the perfect spot to serve and grow.

“Bold Prayers” – Your Stories of Transformation

We’re humbled and overjoyed by your response to “Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation.”

Your messages, emails, and testimonies have shown us how God uses this book to spark renewed faith in your prayer life.

Here are just a few stories you’ve shared:

  • A mother in Texas told us how she’s teaching her children to pray boldly using the principles from the book
  • Life groups meet weekly to practice the prayer strategies together
  • One reader shared how he finally broke through years of anxiety after applying confidence-building prayer techniques

If “Bold Prayers” has blessed your life, would you consider sharing your experience with others?

Your Amazon review could help someone else take their first step toward a deeper prayer life.

Writing a review takes just a few minutes, but its impact could last forever.

How to share your review:

  1. Visit the book’s Amazon page
  2. Click on “Write a customer review.”
  3. Share how the book has helped your prayer life
  4. Rate your experience

Your words matter more than you know. They could be exactly what someone needs to hear to begin their journey toward bold, expectant prayer.

Have you grabbed your copy yet? “Bold Prayers” is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle formats.

Remember: Prayer isn’t just about asking – it’s about expecting God to move in mighty ways!

Coming Soon: Get Ready for “Motivational Moments Weekly Devotional”

Get ready for a brand new way to stay inspired throughout your week! We’re thrilled to announce “Motivational Moments” – our new weekly devotional series on YouTube, starting in November 2024.

What to Expect:

  • Short, powerful devotionals (5-7 minutes)
  • Fresh content every Monday morning
  • Practical faith insights for your daily life
  • Scripture-based encouragement
  • Real-life applications

Perfect for:

  • Your morning coffee time
  • Lunch break inspiration
  • Evening wind-down
  • Sharing with friends who need encouragement

How to Never Miss an Episode:

1. Visit our Mars Hill YouTube channel

2. Click the “Subscribe” button

3. Hit the notification bell to get alerts when new episodes drop

Why We’re Starting This:

We know life gets busy. These bite-sized devotionals will help you stay connected to God’s Word and our church family, even during your busiest days. Think of it as a spiritual power-up for your week! The ‘Motivational Moments Weekly Devotional’ is designed to provide you with a regular source of inspiration and encouragement, helping you to find strength and faith in your everyday moments.

Mark your calendar for our first episode: November 4, 2024

Title: “Finding Strength in Your Everyday Moments”

Share this news with someone who could use a weekly dose of inspiration! Remember, sometimes the smallest moments can bring the biggest breakthroughs in our faith journey.

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This Week’s Blog: At the Breaking Point

Have you ever felt like life has pushed you to the edge—where you’re ready to throw in the towel?

In this week’s blog, I explore how our most challenging moments can be opportunities for God to work in our lives.

Through the stories of the Apostle Paul and Job, you’ll discover how your breaking point could be the turning point you’ve been waiting for.

Feeling overwhelmed? You won’t want to miss this!

​👉 Read more in the full blog post.

Upcoming Online Gathering

We’re excited to invite you to Sunday Online Worship on October 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM. This is an excellent opportunity to worship, connect with our church family, and experience the message in a vibrant, communal setting.

We will gather digitally (online).

I would love to see you there with us in person. If you can’t make it, join us on our streaming platforms. With God’s help, we will continue taking control of our story.

  • YouTube: Tune in live on our YouTube channel for an engaging worship experience. Remember to subscribe and hit the notification bell to avoid missing out! Watch on YouTube
  • Facebook: Join our live stream on Facebook and participate in real-time conversations. Like our page and share the service with your friends and family! Watch on Facebook

We look forward to worshiping with you and celebrating our faith together, no matter where you are.

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How to Support Mars Hill

Your support helps us spread hope and share God’s love with our community and beyond. Here are some ways you can get involved:

  1. Give: Your financial gifts make a difference. You can give online through our secure website or use our mobile app.
  2. Serve: We have many opportunities to serve, both in-person and virtually. Check out our website for current needs.
  3. Pray: Please keep our church, leaders, and community in your prayers. Your prayers are powerful!
  4. Invite: Do you know someone who might benefit from our message? Invite them to join us online or in person this Sunday.
  5. Share: Help spread the word by sharing our social media posts or forwarding this email to a friend.

Your generosity keeps Mars Hill thriving and helps us reach more people with God’s love. If you feel led to contribute, here are some ways you can support our ministry:

  1. ​Online Giving: Visit our website to set up one-time or recurring donations securely.
  2. Text-to-Give: Text MHGIVE to 33777 and follow the prompts.
  3. Sunday Offering: Drop your gift in the offering basket during our in-person services.
  4. Mail: Send checks to:

Mars Hill Baptist Church
PO Box 6159
River Forest, IL 60305

Remember, every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Your support allows us to:

  • Maintain our temporary church home
  • Fund community outreach programs
  • Provide resources for Life Groups
  • Expand our online ministry
  • Invest in equipment, tools, cameras, and software to grow our online campus.

We’re grateful for your partnership in spreading the Gospel and serving our community in person and online.

Please consider giving today and help us grow in faith and impact.

Thank You for Being Part of Mars Hill Anywhere

We are so blessed to have you in our Mars Hill Anywhere family! Whether you join us in person or connect online your presence, prayers, and support strengthen this community. Together, we are building a place where everyone can grow in faith and experience God’s love, no matter where they are.

As we move forward, I encourage you to take action this week:

  • Watch one of the powerful messages we’ve shared.
  • Join us for our online stream on October 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM.
  • Engage with our blog or podcast to dive deeper into what God speaks to us.
  • ​Please support Mars Hill in any way you can, whether through giving, volunteering, or simply sharing our resources with someone who needs them.

Let’s continue to grow together in faith and love, supporting one another through every season. We’d love to hear from you if you have any questions, feedback, or prayer requests. Reply to this email or reach out directly—we’re here for you!

Have a blessed week, and we’ll see you soon.

See you Sunday!

Here to help you win,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. We encourage you to engage with us throughout the week—share your thoughts, reflections, and joy on our social media platforms. Let’s make this week an enriching experience for all.

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