Some quarterly updates from Immanuel Clarkston!

Loads happening and excited to share a glimpse of it with you all!

Here’s a few highlights and ways you can continue to pray with us.

Give us a follow on the Socials! It’s a great way to keep up with everything that’s happening and let others know about Immanuel Clarkston!

Here’s the TL;DW (too long, didn’t watch):

* Neighborhood Groups: Creating space for honest community

* Church Planting Residency: Exciting next steps!

* Quick Ministry Notes: QC + Chapel Sessions + Growth

* Important Update: Giving Through MNA

1. Neighborhood Groups

Neighborhood groups have been one of the most exciting developments this season. These small, local gatherings are creating space for honest community while remaining open to those exploring the Christian faith.

We’re seeing new families and students get meaningfully connected, with these groups becoming a primary place for deeper relationships, thoughtful questions, and shared life around the table. We now have five groups underway and are excited to see them grow—not just in number, but in depth—as they potentially become a foundation for future church plants.

2. Church Planting Residency

Part of The Detroit Project’s vision is to see many faithful churches planted throughout Metro Detroit. So we’re thrilled to share that Immanuel now has our first church planting resident: Wes Weber, along with his wife Naomi.

As a church plant ourselves, this is a meaningful step forward in our vision to be a church that plants churches. The residency is designed to provide full immersion into the life and ministry of a church plant—helping residents discern their calling and prepare for future ministry.

Wes and Naomi will be involved across many areas of church life, including outreach, leadership, and community initiatives. We’re especially excited about how this connects to our broader vision: raising up leaders who can be sent out to establish new gospel-centered communities.

Please join us in praying for Wes and Naomi as they step into this season.

3. Quick Ministry Updates

There’s a lot happening across the life of the church:

* Growing Community: We’ve seen both numerical growth and increasing depth of relationships. On March 15 we had 21 new members join including with 3 baptisms. It’s been encouraging to watch people not only join but truly connect and grow in their faith.

* Questioning Christianity: Recent gatherings have brought in many who are exploring or re-exploring faith. These spaces continue to foster thoughtful conversations and meaningful next steps for those asking big questions.

* Seeking the Welfare of Our City: We’ve begun hosting a jazz jam session (Chapel Sessions) in our space—creating a place for local musicians to gather, build community, and open doors for deeper conversations. More info here.

* Next Generation Ministry: We’re also helping launch a Young Life group at a local high school—an exciting opportunity to reach students and families in a new way.

4. Important Update: Giving Through MNA

We also want to make you aware of a recent change in the giving system through Mission to North America (MNA).

There have been some instances where recurring gifts were unintentionally disrupted during the transition. Because of this, we’re asking all of our financial partners to take a moment to review their giving and ensure that everything is processing correctly.

If you notice that a recurring gift has stopped or looks incorrect, please take a moment to reset it or reach out so we can help troubleshoot.

This is a huge help in ensuring consistency as we continue the work God has called us to. Thank you for taking a few minutes to check on this.

Finally, thank you for being part of this work. Your prayers, generosity, and encouragement mean more than you know.

Lots to be excited about. Onward!

In Christ!

Micah & Laura (+Violet, Henry, and Evangeline too!)

As we pause to give thanks this week, we’re reflecting on God’s remarkable kindness to Immanuel Clarkston over the Fall season.

It has been a time of growth, deepening community, and meaningful mission—both inside our church family and throughout the Clarkston community. Here’s a few highlights and ways you can continue to pray with us.

Give us a follow on the Socials! It’s a great way to keep up with everything that’s happening and let others know about Immanuel Clarkston!

Here’s the TL;DW (too long, didn’t watch):

* Questioning Christianity: Being Curious & Meaningful Conversations

* Community Life: Growth, Care, and Discipleship

* Mission in Clarkston: Serving with Intentionality

* Looking Ahead: Ways You Can Pray

1. Questioning Christianity: Growing Curiosity & Meaningful Conversations

Our Questioning Christianity gatherings grew significantly this Fall—so much so that we moved into a larger space. The chapel where we worship each week has proven to be a welcoming venue for jazz concerts, guest speakers, and thoughtful discussions for those who may not normally enter a church building.

Through the fall, we explored questions like whether Christianity is a restrictive “straitjacket” or a freeing framework designed for human flourishing. Honest conversations—like hearing a friend say, “I want this to be true, but I’m not sure what I’d have to give up”—have been both refreshing and encouraging.

Looking ahead to 2026, we’ll be forming our conversations around themes from Rebecca McLaughlin’s Confronting Christianity, engaging with topics such as:

* Does Christianity crush diversity?

* Can you take the Bible literally?

* Does Christianity denigrate women?

* How could a loving God allow suffering?

We’re also thrilled to be welcoming a rotation of artists who will help us explore these themes from fresh perspectives.

2. Community Life: Growth, Care, and Discipleship

This fall we welcomed new members, celebrated baptisms, and watched our community embody the love of Christ in very tangible ways. One of our new families is walking through their daughter’s recent leukemia diagnosis, and the Immanuel community has surrounded them with prayer, meals, support, and presence. We are witnessing Jesus’ words come alive—“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Young Dudes Study (and Two Old Goats)

One highlight from this Fall has been a group of young men who have been gathering at our house for a study I’ve affectionately dubbed Young Dudes and Two Old Goats (I’ll leave it to you to decide which category I fit in). We’ve been digging into foundational truths of the faith using Redeemer NYC’s Gospel Christianity material, and it’s been a joy as the guys have shared honestly about wrestling with sin, and encouraged one another to walk with Christ.

Teaching & Preaching

We’ve been walking through the Ten Commandments this fall—God’s “Ten Words” directing us toward His good design for our lives. It has been encouraging to see how these truths are shaping conversations across our community. We’ve also started hosting a Question & Response time after worship which has led to some great conversations both with those exploring Christian faith and those growing in it.

College Students

Among those attending the Question & Response are a number of students from Oakland University, located just 15 minutes away, with whom we’ve enjoyed getting to know through involvement with Cru this semester. Several students are now regularly attending with a few planning to join Immanuel. Their presence is bringing fresh energy and new opportunities for mission.

3. Mission in Clarkston: Serving with Intentionality

Community Impact Weekend

More than 20 Immanuel folk participated in this major Clarkston event, helping neighbors with yard work, home projects, and practical needs. These efforts have opened doors to meaningful relationships within local trailer parks and with ministries like House of Hope, which serves youth in the area.

Young Life at Clarkston High School

We’re also helping launch a new Young Life chapter at Clarkston High School—a significant opportunity to invest in local teens. While still early in development, we’re excited for how God may use this work. Please pray for how the Lord would use these efforts.

4. Looking Ahead: Ways You Can Pray

As we prepare for 2026, we ask you to join us in prayer for several key areas:

1. Expanded Staffing Needs

With growth comes new opportunities—and new needs. We’re currently discerning how to bring on additional staff and volunteer leaders (both paid and unpaid) to sustain what we’re already doing, strengthen community care, and expand our outreach efforts.

If you feel led, please consider supporting Immanuel with a year-end gift to help us take these important next steps.

2. The “500 Plates” Initiative

Over the next year, we’re committing to 500 shared meals—simple gatherings around tables with neighbors, friends, and newcomers. Our hope is to build relationships, foster hospitality, and watch how the Lord works through everyday conversations.

3. Pick & Pray!

Also we’d love for you to scroll back through and pick one thing from the update above to pray for over the next month and year!

Lots to be excited about.

Lots to pray toward in 2026. Onward!

In Christ!

Micah & Laura (+Violet, Henry, and Evangeline too!)

Welcome to the end of Summer Immanuel Clarkston Update! So here is an update on what’s been happening during this packed season for both Immanuel and the Jelineks!

Give us a follow on the Socials! It’s a great way to keep up with everything that’s happening and let others know about Immanuel Clarkston!

Here’s the TL;DW (too long, didn’t watch):

* Community Outreach & Evangelism

* Church Growth & Life Together

* Family & Ministry Updates

1. Community Outreach & Evangelism

Immanuel has been deeply engaged in the life of Clarkston this summer!

PeaceFest was again a highlight.

We nearly doubled the number of conversations we had this year (140ish folks). Folks that we met last year and in the community came to find us and asked for prayer. This lead to a number of gospel conversations, and several people beginning to attend Questioning Christianity.

Questioning Christianity

QC continues to draw between 10–15 people each time. Laura and I have enjoyed the conversations about faith and doubt that routinely go late into the night (with a big thanks to my sister and mom for watching the kids!). We’ve also enjoyed having members of Immanuel sharing their stories and artistry (everything from Graphic Design to Bonsai!) and talking about how their faith in Christ anchors their lives.

We’ll have a special Questioning Christianity on September 18 at 7PM which will meet at Immanuel Clarkston rather than our home away from home (The Honeycomb). Our theme for the night is: Faith, Doubt, & Jazz. Invite a friend who has questions about the Christian faith! Register here.

Intentional Mission

Beyond these gatherings, Immanuel has been active throughout every part of Clarkston’s civic life—helping at Chamber of Commerce events, serving ice cream at concerts, and marching in the Fourth of July parade—building ongoing relationships with neighbors.

And we are also very excited for the developing partnership with Cru at OU. We are looking forward to connecting with students at Oakland University, and potentially becoming a church home and family for some as well!

2. Church Growth & Life Together

This season has been marked by growth and encouragement within Immanuel as well. Several new families joined as members, three couples got married, and we have been encouraged by the many new folks who are attending and exploring membership in the Fall.

A couple of encouraging notes here, and a couple prayer requests!

* We are praising God for the many members of Immanuel who are involved in outreach events, bringing friends to Immanuel, and all of the behind the scenes work of planning, hospitality, and caring for one another!

* We are also praising God for the growing sense of community in our Men’s and Women’s Bible studies and gatherings. These have been places of deep sharing and joyfully digging into how the truths of Scripture apply God’s grace to the real and nitty gritty of our lives.

* Please pray for us to faithfully shepherd newcomers to Immanuel especially those exploring the Christian faith for the first time or returning to church after many years.

* Pray for us as we seek to build stronger inroads with Clarkston schools and hope to create opportunities for ministry among students and teachers.

3. Family & Ministry Updates

Our family enjoyed a mix of ministry and rest this summer. We spent time camping and hiking in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Henry and I enjoyed a fishing trip with some old friends, and we participated in the annual Detroit Project retreat with other pastors’ families.

Another highlight was serving at First Presbyterian Church of Trenton’s summer camp, where Henry enjoyed the week as a camper (see the thumbs up picture above), I enjoyed preaching and teaching students about Jesus’ “I Am” statements in the Gospels.

Please continue to pray for us as we enter the fall season filled with all of the usual Fall activities of Bible studies, homeschooling, community outreach, welcoming newcomers at Immanuel, and enjoying a healthy dose of cider and donuts!

Well that’s everything for now. Thank you again for your partnership and support!

If you’d like to join in on partnering with us, please click the link below!

We’re back with an update on what God has been doing at Immanuel Clarkston!

Give us a follow on the Socials! It’s a great way to keep up with everything that’s happening and let others know about Immanuel Clarkston!

Here’s the TL;DW (too long, didn’t watch):

Immanuel Clarkston exists as a church committed to three loves:

1. Loving God through Faithful Worship

2. Loving One Another through Honest Community

3. Loving our City through Intentional Mission

Here’s what’s happening at Immanuel related to each of those loves:

1. Worship

Holy Week: We enjoyed worshipping with a number of churches during Holy Week. On Maundy Thursday it was a joy to join with 3 other Detroit Project churches at Redeemer Detroit (picture below), and on Good Friday & Easter we worshipped with North Oaks Church here in Clarkston.

* Easter Sermon here.

* Current Series (Grace in Ephesus: A New Way to Be Human) here.

1 Year Anniversary: It’s hard to believe it, but Immanuel will celebrate one year of gathering for worship together on May 18! What can we say except: Praise God! Thank you for your partnership in this kingdom work!

2. Community

Immanuel Women: The women are digging into Dane Ortlund’s Gentle & Lowly this summer, and have been enjoying monthly gatherings where they’ve enjoyed some good food while exploring how to cultivate deep community as sisters in Christ.

Immanuel Men: The men will be reading through some Psalms this summer on Fridays, and have been gathering for fellowship and prayer on a monthly basis.

Intro to Immanuel: We are looking forward to having around 15 people over to our home this Friday at our “Newcomer’s Dinner” for folks new to Immanuel Clarkston or exploring membership this coming Friday!

3. Mission

Community Impact Weekend: We had a great team join in on serving neighbors in the Clarkston area with yard clean up and home repair. Pray for the connections that were made and for us to have more opportunities to build relationships with our neighbors who are in need.

Prayer for Serving Clarkston & Beyond!

* For Immanuel: Pray for us as we host a tent again this year at PeaceFest and then serve ice cream at the Summer Concert Series in Clarkston. We’re looking forward to meeting more neighbors in the community through these events. Pray also for the May Questioning Christianity and those who are continuing to explore Christian belief.

* For Micah: I’ve really enjoyed getting involved with the local Chamber of Commerce and have been invited to join the local library’s Friends of the Library Board. Pray that these would be great avenues for continuing to connect Immanuel with even more ways to serve and love Clarkston & beyond!

* For Jelinek Family: Pray for us as a family as we step into summer here in Clarkston as we get connected even more with the rhythms of the town Summer Concerts, Food Truck Rally’s, biking and hiking with friends and neighbors at local parks.

Well that’s everything for now. Thank you again for your partnership and support!

If you’d like to join in on partnering with us, please click the link below!

Trying something new here. It’s been a while since some of us have seen each other face-to-face. So I figured the next best thing to us grabbing coffee or a pint just might be a video update on how ministry is going here in Clarkston and Waterford.

And, if you dig it, then I’ll start doing more updates via video.

In Christ,

-MJ + LJ (+the kids too!)

Keep up with Immanuel on Social.

Here’s the TL;DW (too long, didn’t watch):

1. New Members

We welcomed our first members at the end of January, and celebrated some baptisms!

There was a lot of joy in our worship and feasting as a family brought together by God's grace. And, praise God, we will also be welcoming some more folks to the church and celebrating some baptism in March! This along with some Neighborhood Groups (more on those another time) that are beginning to kick off now and in the coming months has made it a really exciting season at Immanuel!

2. New Questions

We’re hosting Questioning Christianity this Thursday!

The idea as always is simple: A once a month conversation about faith, doubt, and everything in between for those who are curious and skeptical about the claims of the Christian faith.

This year our discussions will center on Qohelet (the Hebrew name for Ecclesiastes).

The author of Ecclesiastes asks us to see the world around us in all its messiness. He then explores what that reveals about humanity, our world, and God.

The aim is for our conversations to help us ask and begin to answer questions like:

* How do I find meaning? And what kind of belief has a meaning that is big enough to carry us through our lives?

* What good is work? And how can it provide shape and significance to our endless numbered days?

* What good is the “the good life”? What is it? And how do you get it?

3. Sundays!

I figured it might be fun and encouraging to give a glimpse into what Sundays look and sound like at Immanuel (see below + check out sermons here)

We’ve had some new folks from the community joining us for worship which has been a joy. We are truly grateful for our musicians and everyone who helps make worship possible even as we keep our eyes focused on reaching Clarkston and Waterford.

If you’re ever in the area, feel free to swing in and worship with us!

Well that’s everything for now. Thank you for your partnership and support!

If you’d like to join in on partnering with us, please click the link below!