Hey [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], Did You Hear the Word or Just Listen to It?

Happy Hump Day!

Some weeks go by quickly. Others feel like they carry the weight of a whole season.

Whichever kind of week you are having, just know this. You are not the only one walking through it. And you do not have to walk it alone.

At Mars Hill Anywhere, we keep showing up because God keeps meeting us in the middle of real life. Not the polished kind, but the honest, in-progress kind.

This Sunday, June 1, is another chance to breathe, to hear from God, and to remember that grace is still holding you. Whether you join us in person or online, you are welcome to bring your whole self. Questions, hopes, and all.

What’s Inside This Week’s Email

Here’s a quick look at what you will find in this week’s update:

1. Details for our next in-person and online worship gathering on Sunday, June 1
2. A powerful sermon recap from “You Heard It… But Did You Receive It?”
3. A five-day devotional to help you reflect and refocus
4. A new resource to guide your personal Bible study
5. A word of thanks for your continued support
6. Let’s jump in.

Worship This Sunday – June 1, 2025

This Sunday is not just another date on the calendar. It is a fresh opportunity to meet with God and hear what He has to say to you.

Join us in person or online for worship at Mars Hill Anywhere.

🗓 Sunday, June 1, 2025

🕥 10:30 AM Central

📍 7941 47th Street, McCook, IL

We are continuing our new series, Church Explained: Why We Do What We Do. This is not just about tradition. It is about purpose. If you have ever wondered why church looks the way it does or why certain parts matter, this series will speak to you.

Come with questions. Leave with clarity.

You can also join us live online through YouTube or Facebook. Just search Mars Hill Chicago or Clarence Stowers TV.

Sermon Recap – You Heard It… But Did You Receive It?]

The Word cannot change you if it never reaches you.

This past Sunday, I shared a message that speaks to something many of us miss. Hearing God’s Word is not just about listening. It is about receiving it deep in your heart.

If we treat the sermon like background noise, we miss what God is trying to say. But when we come with an open spirit, ready to respond, something shifts.

🎧 Watch the full message here: You Heard It… But Did You Receive It?

🔑 Here is what I unpacked:

• How to stop treating sermons like background noise (Matthew 11:15)
• Why faith does not grow without response (Luke 4:22–24)
• What it means to posture your heart for real change (James 1:22)

Let this message settle in. Not just in your head—but in your soul.

📱 Devotional + Overview Available Now:

If the message spoke to you, do not let it stop there.

I created a 5-day devotional to help you listen more carefully and respond more fully to what God is saying. Each day gives you space to reflect, pray, and take a step forward.

Start today:

👉 Listen Carefully: The Message You Might Have Missed​

Your Personal Bible Study Partner Has Arrived

I wanted to personally introduce you to something special I created to help you grow in your faith all week long. It is called the Moving Forward Together Bible Companion, and it is designed to be your personal Bible study partner.

You can use it on your phone or computer at any time. Here is how it works:

• Pick the week you are in: Build, Believe, Grow, or Serve
• Answer a few reflection questions based on Scripture
• Receive personalized encouragement and a spiritual next step
• Return whenever you need guidance, focus, or motivation

It is powered by AI, but it speaks in the same voice you hear from me, motivational, faith-filled, and practical.

Whether you are reading your Bible alone, reflecting after a message, or just trying to stay grounded during the week, this companion helps you do it with purpose.

I know how easy it is to feel spiritually stuck or isolated between Sundays. That is why I built this to walk with you as you walk with God.

Why use it​
If you have ever wanted to go deeper in your Bible study but felt stuck, needed a midweek faith boost, or were unsure how to apply the sermon in your daily life, this companion was created for you.

Click here to start now: The Moving Forward Bible Companion​

You will be guided in the same faith-filled and motivational voice you know. It is practical, Spirit-led, and focused on helping you reflect and respond with intention.

Let us move forward together

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!

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 “Pull up” or “Log on” with us online this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central for our online service. Set your reminder now! ⏰