Inspirations Blog
A multimedia collection of stories, learnings, reflections, and resources from the people and ministries of Juniper Formation.
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.
Navigating Thanksgiving: Faith, Gratitude, and the Tapestry of American Histories
Announcing the Juniper Formation Store, a wearables ministry
There is a need for a loving Christian public voice within our communities. We want to cocreate an inclusive and justice-filled world, so we’ve designed wearable items that reflect the loving voice we wish to see; a voice that stands against Christian nationalism and religious conservatism.
Sacramental Service of Ordination + Covenanting of Rev. Candace Woods
We invite you to join us for this celebratory occasion either in person or via Zoom.
Candace Woods has been a Member-in-Discernment (UCC ordination process) with Juniper Formation over the past year plus, she has been approved for ordination by the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Church of Christ, and Juniper Formation is calling her as our Minister of Gender + Sexuality Liberation. This service is both an ordination and covenanting (covenant between Candace, Juniper Formation, and the Rocky Mountain Conference UCC).
A Different Way of Being Church
Read the journey of Rev. Dr. Jenny Whitcher (she/her), an unexpected church planter and pastor. In this story, she shares her profound experience with Juniper Formation and how our community is dedicated to cocreating Church and embracing a freer, more authentic faith community by shedding the "shoulds" of institutional church and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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