Inspirations Blog
A multimedia collection of stories, learnings, reflections, and resources from the people and ministries of Juniper Formation.
Bridging Faith and Creativity from Abroad
Daryn’s journey from Denver, Colorado, to studying abroad in Paris, France, ignited her passion for travel and cultural exploration. Living in Dakar, Senegal, during a global pandemic, she faced the challenge of finding a Christian community. The opportunity of joining the Storytelling Team at Juniper Formation has provided Daryn with a virtual community and a space for her to combine her spiritual growth with her creative endeavors while living abroad. Read more about Daryn’s story.
2023 Ministry Highlights
This post highlights the growth of Juniper Formation in 2023. We have received support from various sources, including grants and partnerships, which have helped build our foundation. However, we need continued financial support as our initial grant funding is set to expire in the next 18 months. We are working to raise $100,000 a year through various means, including grants, increased giving, ministry partnerships, and a new wearables ministry. This blog post further discusses our Just Compensation Policy, advocacy work, and the growth of our digital church community.
Seek Peace; and Pursue It
Photo depicts the Israeli-constructed separation wall built on top of an Arab graveyard in Bethlehem. Not the site of the current conflict, but a sign of longstanding conflict and human disregard. Photo by Jenny Whitcher
"Where does a spork fit?"
Katelin Champion (she/her), a member of the Juniper Formation Leadership Team, paints a picture of what it’s like to find a place where you fit, despite the broader culture’s demands for conformity amidst our diversity, and how Juniper Formation has solved the question on where a spork fits.
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.