Happy Thursday,

No matter where you’re reading this from, your couch, office, or favorite lunch spot, I want you to know this: you are seen, loved, and part of something real.

Mars Hill Anywhere is more than a service you stream. It is a spiritual home.

A place where faith is deep, community is strong, and God’s presence shows up in unexpected places. Your presence reminds us weekly that church isn’t about a building. It is about the people who show up with open hearts.

You Had to Be There…

This past Sunday, Mother’s Day hit different at Mars Hill Anywhere.

Whether you were in the room or online, something sacred happened. Worship reached places that words can’t describe. The prayers were honest, the atmosphere was whole, and the Word came with clarity and comfort.

One moment that left us speechless was this truth:

“She may be gone from your life, but she’s not gone from your story.”

Pastor Clarence didn’t preach around the pain. He met it head-on. He spoke to the grieving, the celebrating, and those with complicated relationships, reminding us that God sees all of it and stays close.

📺 Missed the message? Want to hear it again?

Watch the full service here: Mother’s Day at Mars Hill Anywhere

🕊 And if you’re overwhelmed or short on time, we created something just for you.

Take two minutes today and breathe with this short devotional:

👉 When Mother’s Day Hits Different – 2-Minute Devotional

It’s short enough to fit into your day and strong enough to anchor your soul.

What If We’ve Been Doing Church Without Knowing Why?

This Sunday, we launch a brand-new series: Church Explained.

We sing, give, pray, and hear the Word every week. But have you ever paused to ask why? Why do we gather? Why do these moments matter?

In this four-week series, we’ll discuss the what, why, and how of church. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Mars Hill Anywhere’s vision as a church and a movement built for this moment.

Mars Hill Anywhere is flexible, focused, and built for people who live whole lives but still want full faith. Whether in the room or on your phone, this is your church. This is your moment.

🗓 “Log on” this Sunday, at 10:30 PM Central. Invite someone who has questions.

Let’s rethink church—together.

Upcoming Highlights and Helpful Reminders

Join us on Saturday, June 1, at 10:30 AM at

7941 47th Street
McCook, IL.

Come early, bring a friend, and let’s make it a moment.

📲 Get the App: #ChurchInYourPocket

Download the Mars Hill Anywhere app for sermons, devotionals, event details, and giving options.

Search Mars Hill Baptist Church in your app store today.

📧 Not getting our texts or emails?

Text MARSHILL (one word) to 33777 to stay connected.

💬 Want to connect or have questions? Click the Connection Card link

Moving Forward Together: Invest in Hope, Impact, and Community

In conclusion, I want to talk about something close to all our hearts – our Moving Forward Together Campaign.

We’re at a pivotal moment in our church’s journey. As someone who’s chosen to be part of our community, you know we’re more than just Sunday gatherings – we’re about creating lasting impact in people’s lives.

Your support does something remarkable. It helps us:

  • Extend a helping hand to those who need it most
  • Create meaningful worship experiences (both online and in-person)
  • Invest in our kids and teens through vibrant ministry programs
  • Build spaces where real connection happens

We’re not just building a church – we’re creating a home where people find hope, healing, and purpose. And here’s the exciting part: while our regular tithes and offerings will go toward securing our own physical space, this special campaign will ensure we can continue growing our ministries both online and in-person.

How You Can Be Part of This Journey

We’re aiming to raise $20,000 by summer through our Moving Forward Together initiative. Specifically, we’re hoping for:

  • 30 people to contribute $500
  • 50 people to contribute $300

These funds will directly enhance our Sunday worship space, cover our weekly expenses, launch new youth and children’s programs, and create consistent mid-week gatherings that strengthen our community.

Be Part of the Future – Give Today!

But that’s not all—this week, we’re also kicking off a special Zoom Bible study designed to deepen our understanding and strengthen our community.

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.

Give Now!

We’re in This Together!

At Mars Hill Anywhere, we carry each other. We celebrate the good, sit with each other in the hard, and remind one another that we don’t walk alone.

You matter. Your story matters. And you belong here.

If you have any prayer requests or questions or want to share what God is doing in your life, I’d love to hear from you!

📩 Reply to this email and tell me how to pray for you this week.

Until next time—stay encouraged, stay connected, and keep pressing forward in faith!

With love and expectation,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. Don’t forget to “Log on” with us online this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central for our online service. Set your reminder now! ⏰

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