Inspirations Blog
A multimedia collection of stories, learnings, reflections, and resources from the people and ministries of Juniper Formation.
A Lenten Relational Discernment Process
We start with the Ash Wednesday Service, this week on February 26th, at 7 pm, at Park Hill UCC in Denver, where we will engage one-to-one relational confession, imposition of ashes combined with anointing with Juniper Formation's Prophetic Renewal anointing oil. Together, we seek to respond to God's Call through drawing closer to God and one another, deepening our spiritual practices and awareness, and revitalizing the ministries of the Church.With support and permission from PHUCC, I'll be live blogging throughout the process. Our shared hope is that this will provide: 1) Ongoing reflection and engagement with the congregation, and inclusion for those who may not be able to be physically present for all parts of the process; and 2) An opportunity for a wider audience to learn more in depth about Juniper Formation's approach.
2019 Annual Video
Juniper Formation’s first Annual Video (annual report), including: our story of becoming, what we’ve done in our first year of ministry, and how you can join our mission of prophetically reimagining the Church.
Speech at United Church of Christ General Synod
Rev. Dr. Jenny Whitcher gives the renomination speech for the United Church of Christ General Minister and President Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer at the UCC General Synod 31 in June 2019.
Sermon: Abiding in the Creator's Womb, Part 2
“God is calling the Church to do a new thing, to change, to life, and to prophetic ministry…God was not finished with Elijah. Even in Elijah’s exhaustion and resignation to death, God saw new life. And in the same way, God is not finished with the Church. Known as the teacher of prophets, Elijah would go on from this juniper tree encounter with God to do to even more prophetic ministry.In a similar manner, Juniper Formation will midwife the prophetic reimagining of the Church, by becoming a space and community for renewal, courage, and formation for prophetic ministry and action.”Reflections on John 6:51-58 and 1 Kings 19:1-10 and Juniper Formation’s mission of prophetically reimagining the Church.
Sermon: Abiding in the Creator's Womb, Part 1
“Regardless of the Christian Church’s theological meaning making of this particular claim Jesus makes [that “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life”], this passage still remains viscerally…unappetizing.But haven’t we have all had this kind of visceral experience: in our mother’s womb.”Reflections on John 6:51-58 and Dr. Astrid Lobo Garjiwala’s essay, “The Passion of the Womb: Women Re-Living the Eucharist,” published in the book, The Strength of Her Witness: Jesus Christ in the Global Voices of Women, edited by Elizabeth A. Johnson.