Inspirations Blog
A multimedia collection of stories, learnings, reflections, and resources from the people and ministries of Juniper Formation.
Stories of Faithful Resonance
Over the coming weeks, we’ll share stories from a few members of the Juniper Formation Leadership Team as a way to invite you in to get to know us and Juniper Formation. We reflect on our identities and faith as they collide with the realities of the world—our churches, workplaces, schools, public and political spaces, families, and communities. Being church together is something quite unique, and also, there are many aspects of these relationships that can easily be translated across institutions from all sectors.
Rooted in Love by the Roots of the Juniper Tree
Explore Ephesians 3:16-19 reflections and the power of Christ's love. Join our Juniper Formation community, fostering resilience and intentional support. Rooted in love, thrive in challenging times.
Freedom of Religion for Who?
Rev. Dr. Jenny Whitcher's speech on Colorado Religious Freedom Day sheds light on the complex narrative surrounding religious freedom.
Holy Week: Discerning What it Means to Love One Another Justly
Reflections on giving testimony in support of SB 23-190, a bill that seeks to protect pregnant people from deceptive and coercive practices of "pregnancy crisis centers." Rev. Dr. Jenny Whitcher shares concern about the emotional and spiritual manipulation used by these centers, as well as how this relates to Holy Week and the teachings of the Church. This is an invitation to reflect on our emotional alignment with the Holy Spirit and the potential for emotional manipulation, and to discern what it means to love each other justly. Pregnant people deserve better comprehensive medical care, community care and support, education, and resources, as well as medical care that is not compromised by religious extremism.
Reparations for Rev. Dr. Anthony Scott
Join Juniper Formation and First Congregational Church (FCC) Greeley in collecting or redirecting Our Church’s Wider Mission funds to provide restitution for Rev. Dr. Anthony Scott, who was unjustly terminated from the Rocky Mountain Conference United Church of Christ. Help us raise $43,335 - equivalent to six months' salary and benefits - to support Rev. Dr. Scott and stand up for justice.
2022 Ministry Highlights
Generous individuals and grant funders enabled us to strengthen and expand our mission of reimagining the Church from the margins. Though we have much to share, our capacity has been limited. We're excited to announce that we're finalizing the hiring of a Storyteller who will connect with you more frequently and creatively in 2023. Keep an eye out for more highlights from 2022 and beyond!
Our Ongoing Emancipation from Violence
What is the cost of our disregard for healthy, loving relationships? A child lost, abandoned, and abused by their community will destroy it in an attempt to find the acceptance, connection, and the care they need.
For Sunday: Abortion Rights & The Church
Our progressive Christian silence is certain violence for the people whom we say we love. The people we venerate on Mother’s Day, the people who were given the divine gift of creating life, the people who risk their lives in pregnancy and labor, the people who are reduced to no more than earthen vessels, when our bodies, heart, and soul are the potters.
Giving Testimony Where It Counts
How many congregations vote to support certain legislation or political issues, offering their pastors and lay leaders the support they need to speak publicly for justice on behalf of the congregation?Alternatively, how many pastors are too afraid of losing their jobs to speak out and advocate for legislation when it might be at the expense of their family’s economic well-being? Or worse, simply choose to play it safe, and don’t bother to ask for congregational support.
Lenten Reflections
We are preparing for new life and growth. What we need is a season of reimagining the world, when the world is falling apart—breaking open to new ways of being.The Empire that killed Jesus, and continues today to thwart liberation would have us remain in punitive, fear-based, scarcity frameworks. It is our calling as Christians to seek the freedom and new life that our Creator intended for us, and offers us in the gift of Christ, and the always present Holy Spirit.
Spencer LaJoye's Plowshare Prayer
Spencer LaJoye, has released the studio recording of the song “Plowshare Prayer,” which was originally written for a Juniper Formation prayer Gathering. LaJoye stated that the process of writing the song was a pivotal moment as it allowed for an expression of absolute truth without any filter, even within a church context. Writing and singing the song felt like a range of emotions, from anger and grief to peace and joy.
The song was written during LaJoye’s time with Juniper Formation. LaJoye believes that the welcoming and inclusive nature of Juniper Formation helped to create “Plowshare Prayer.”
2021 Highlights & Where We Are Headed in 2022
I’m writing to share with you highlights of Juniper Formation’s ministries in 2021, and what we are looking forward to in 2022. I’d love to hear from you what is energizing you in ministry these days, and where Juniper Formation might connect with you in 2022.