Happy Hump Day Reader,

If it feels like the pressure is trying to break you, good.

That means it still hasn’t won.

Because pressure doesn’t just crush.

It exposes what cannot be shaken. And if you’re reading this, it means you’re still standing.

This week, I want to give you something for the weight you’ve been carrying.

Not just encouragement. Real help. Real direction. A resource you can use today.

Sermon Overview

Title: Everything’s Breaking… But You’re Still Standing

Scripture Focus: John 16:33, Psalm 46:1, Genesis 41, Matthew 7:24–25

This week, I preached a message for anybody who feels like life has been hitting from every direction. The headlines are heavy. Prices are climbing. Trust in leadership feels shaky. And the pressure keeps building.

But here’s what God showed me. When everything is breaking around you, it doesn’t mean your purpose is gone. It means your foundation is being revealed.

In this sermon, I walked through the story of Joseph and reminded us that preparation is not fear. It’s faith in action. I shared how Jesus taught us to build our lives on solid ground, so when the rain falls and the pressure hits, we don’t collapse.

I also got real about what our communities are facing and why we can’t afford to wait for perfect conditions to take action. This is the time to stand wisely, serve boldly, and stay spiritually grounded.

If you’ve been carrying the weight of uncertainty, this message is for you. You’re not just surviving. You’re still standing. And that means your story is not over.

Let’s move from pressure to purpose. Together.

▶️ Missed it? You can watch it here​

Also Worth Noting: ✍🏽 Latest article on Substack: This one hit a nerve. If you’re always holding it together for everyone else, this is for you. Time Doesn’t Heal Everything 🎥 Short on Time? I Got You ​Check out my new YouTube Shorts. These are quick, honest, and built for real life. Leaders Are Readers: My Fall Reading List 5 Reasons Helping The Wrong People Is Bad For You Stop Reopening a Door Life Already Closed 📲 Have You Heard About Our App? Everything you need to grow spiritually is right on your phone. We call it #ChurchInYourPocket. Download The App

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Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship (Online Only)

When: Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 10:30 AM CST

Where: Online at MarsHillChicago.org
​Watch on Facebook: @MarsHillChicago​
Watch on YouTube: ClarenceStowersTV​

Community Resource Guide

We also released something practical to meet real needs in this moment.

​The Community Resource Guide is now available. It’s filled with help for:

• Food and grocery support
• Mental health resources
• Housing and shelter information
• Emergency assistance for bills and utilities
• Hotlines and local support programs

This guide is free and easy to share. Download it. Use it. Send it to someone who needs it today.

📥 Download the Guide​

Together, we’re not just surviving. We’re standing strong and looking out for one another.

How to Support Mars Hill

Your generosity fuels everything we do, from in-person gatherings to digital discipleship. If you’ve been encouraged by this ministry, here are a few simple ways to give and get involved:

Give:

Support the mission securely at marshillchicago.org/giving, in our mobile app, or by texting MHGIVE to 33777. You can also mail checks to:

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

Serve:

Use your gifts to make a difference online or in person. Visit our site to see current serving opportunities.

Pray:

Lift up our leaders, our church family, and the people we’re reaching. Prayer is a powerful form of participation.

Invite & Share:

Send this email to a friend, invite someone to service, or repost something that encouraged you. Every share matters.

You’re helping us reach people with hope, truth, and love, whether they’re across town or across the country.

🔥 Your Move This Weekend

✔️ Watch the sermon

✔️ Download the devotional

✔️ Give to what God is doing at Mars Hill

✔️ Forward this to someone who feels like they don’t have enough

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! ⏰