Inspirations Blog
A multimedia collection of stories, learnings, reflections, and resources from the people and ministries of Juniper Formation.
Advent's Call to Love
The Way of Peace
2024 Ministry Highlights
Sustainability has been one of our top goals this past year, and closing out the year, we can say that we are making it with your support!
The Spirit of God has moved through us and provided for us for five years and we expect for many more to come. We have loads of gifts and talents, and more people joining us who want to be a part of our church in active ministry who are bringing new gifts and talents and ideas for ministries.
Finding Hope as We Journey Through Advent
Join Amanda, Storyteller at Juniper Formation, for a week of reflections exploring hope during Advent. Amanda examines how hope intersects with despair, vulnerability, and love. The series delves into personal hope, community support, and faith, while exploring the parallel rhythms of receiving and practicing with hope. These reflections are part of a larger collection from Juniper Formation's leadership team, available through the Daily Ripple app and community.
Juniper Formation's Wearables Ministry
Juniper Formation's Wearables Ministry has flourished throughout 2024, sharing progressive, liberative theology through wearable art, home décor, and seasonal pieces. What started as a dream in 2023 has evolved into a thriving ministry in 2024. With our Etsy shop launch complementing our website storefront, we now can reach those seeking progressive faith-inspired art across the nation. Each piece supports our mission to cocreate an inclusive, justice-centered voice for Christianity. Shop our holiday collection now with 25% off everything through December 4th.
Cocreating our future together
Daily Ripple wasn't built for a time like this one. It was cocreated by the voices of its authors to build a world of compassion and justice—challenging all to be better disciples. In a time of pain, fear, anxiety, anger, and grief, Daily Ripple provides a platform for voices that need to be heard. Our small community of readers has grown and continues to grow, now reaching five times more than just a year ago. The platform aims to become "a voice of justice in the wilderness, a space of compassion for those who hurt, and a respite from a hostile world."
Park Safety Improvements to End Gun Violence
This Fall, Juniper Formation UCC's Rev. Dr. Jenny Whitcher organized neighbors and collaborated with city officials to address a long-time gun violence hotspot in Southwest Denver. Join us this Saturday, 11/23/24, from 10:00 - 11:30 am, with the collaboration of leaders who are hosting a tour of the area to share our story with the wider community. Featured speakers include District 3 City Councilwoman Jamie Torres, Denver Police Department representatives, and Denver Parks and Recreation leadership. Our organizing has focused on building relationships, improving infrastructure, and creating an inhospitable environment for gun violence..
The Fungi Networked Church
Beneath the earth, mycelium networks model how the Church can share resources in today's digital age. Many churches still follow hierarchical structures that limit participation and exclude marginalized groups. Like mycelium's organic structure sharing resources across vast networks, digital churches can create inclusive communities unrestricted by traditional boundaries. At Juniper Formation, this approach enables quick responses for our community and measures success through relationships—not numbers.
Jesus didn’t “agree to disagree”
Jesus was highly political and a polarizing figure. He did not "agree to disagree" on social norms, laws, or religious and political leadership that caused harm to marginalized people. He spoke prophetically, telling the truth about God's unconditional love, forgiveness, care, and regard for diverse people.
What are you doing here, prophet?
The problem with a fascist dictator is that they don't care who they hurt or kill for power. Like Elijah who wrestled with violence, none of these loud, aggressive, destructive experiences contained the voice of God. Instead, may we continue in ministry—loving one another generously, seeking justice for all.
Drag Queen Disciples
A Faith Perspective on Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom
Rev. Candace Woods was honored to share remarks at the Pueblo launch of Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom. Along with our partners at Interfaith Alliance of Colorado and their coalition, we are beginning a petition signing campaign to get a measure on the ballot in November that would enshrine abortion rights in the Colorado constitution, protecting us from future attempts to strip us of reproductive freedom by lawmakers.