Lenten Bible Study: The Message of Jesus by Adam Hamilton

This Lent, you’re invited to journey more deeply into the heart of the gospel through a shared study of The Message of Jesus by Adam Hamilton. We’ll read the book on our own between meetings, and when we gather we’ll watch a short video from Adam Hamilton and engage in thoughtful, open conversation about what Jesus actually proclaimed—and why it still matters for our lives and our world today.

Our time together will be centered on discussion rather than lecture, creating space for questions, reflection, and honest engagement with Jesus’ message of the kingdom of God. Pastor Wes will facilitate each session, helping guide the conversation and connect the themes of the book with Scripture, theology, and lived faith.

When: Wednesdays during Lent at 6:00 pm
Dates: February 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; and April 1
Where: Fireside Room

All are welcome. Whether this is your first Bible study or a long-standing Lenten practice, this is an invitation to slow down during the season of Lent and listen again for the good news Jesus proclaimed.

Lenten Bible Study: The Message of Jesus by Adam Hamilton

This Lent, you’re invited to journey more deeply into the heart of the gospel through a shared study of The Message of Jesus by Adam Hamilton. We’ll read the book on our own between meetings, and when we gather we’ll watch a short video from Adam Hamilton and engage in thoughtful, open conversation about what Jesus actually proclaimed—and why it still matters for our lives and our world today.

Our time together will be centered on discussion rather than lecture, creating space for questions, reflection, and honest engagement with Jesus’ message of the kingdom of God. Pastor Wes will facilitate each session, helping guide the conversation and connect the themes of the book with Scripture, theology, and lived faith.

When: Wednesdays during Lent at 6:00 pm
Dates: February 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; and April 1
Where: Fireside Room

All are welcome. Whether this is your first Bible study or a long-standing Lenten practice, this is an invitation to slow down during the season of Lent and listen again for the good news Jesus proclaimed.

Monday Night Open Door Meal – All Are Welcome!

Join us every Monday (except the 2nd Monday of the month) at 7:00 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall for our Open Door Meal—a free, warm meal for anyone who could use one. Whether you’re in need of a meal yourself or know someone who might benefit, we invite you to come, eat, and share in a time of community and care. No reservations, no requirements—just a good meal and a welcoming space.

Spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

Lenten Bible Study: The Message of Jesus by Adam Hamilton

This Lent, you’re invited to journey more deeply into the heart of the gospel through a shared study of The Message of Jesus by Adam Hamilton. We’ll read the book on our own between meetings, and when we gather we’ll watch a short video from Adam Hamilton and engage in thoughtful, open conversation about what Jesus actually proclaimed—and why it still matters for our lives and our world today.

Our time together will be centered on discussion rather than lecture, creating space for questions, reflection, and honest engagement with Jesus’ message of the kingdom of God. Pastor Wes will facilitate each session, helping guide the conversation and connect the themes of the book with Scripture, theology, and lived faith.

When: Wednesdays during Lent at 6:00 pm
Dates: February 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; and April 1
Where: Fireside Room

All are welcome. Whether this is your first Bible study or a long-standing Lenten practice, this is an invitation to slow down during the season of Lent and listen again for the good news Jesus proclaimed.

Monday Night Open Door Meal – All Are Welcome!

Join us every Monday (except the 2nd Monday of the month) at 7:00 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall for our Open Door Meal—a free, warm meal for anyone who could use one. Whether you’re in need of a meal yourself or know someone who might benefit, we invite you to come, eat, and share in a time of community and care. No reservations, no requirements—just a good meal and a welcoming space.

Spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

Begin the season of Lent with us in whatever way fits your day.

Ashes-To-Go | 3:00–5:00 PM
We’ll be in the Albertsons parking lot offering a brief prayer and the imposition of ashes. It’s a simple, meaningful way to pause, reflect, and enter the season of Lent—even if you’re on the go.

Soup Supper & Worship | 6:00 PM
Join us at Ramona United Methodist Church for a simple soup supper followed by an Ash Wednesday worship service. Together, we’ll share a meal, mark the beginning of Lent with ashes, and enter this season of reflection, repentance, and hope.

All are welcome for either or both opportunities as we begin the Lenten journey together.

Join us as we prepare to enter the season of Lent together at our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner.

On Tuesday at 6:30 PM, we’ll gather in Pilgrim Hall at First Congregational Church for an evening of food, fellowship, and reflection. We’re especially grateful to welcome our friends from St. Mary’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, and Ramona United Methodist Church as we share this ecumenical time together.

We’ll enjoy a simple meal of pancakes, take part in a brief devotional, and conclude the evening by burning palm fronds—preparing the ashes that will be used for Ash Wednesday. This meaningful tradition helps us move from celebration toward the prayerful, reflective season of Lent.

All are welcome to come, share a meal, and begin the journey together.

Monday Night Open Door Meal – All Are Welcome!

Join us every Monday (except the 2nd Monday of the month) at 7:00 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall for our Open Door Meal—a free, warm meal for anyone who could use one. Whether you’re in need of a meal yourself or know someone who might benefit, we invite you to come, eat, and share in a time of community and care. No reservations, no requirements—just a good meal and a welcoming space.

Spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir San Diego – Free Concert

First Congregational Church of Ramona is honored to host the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir San Diego for a special free concert on Sunday, February 15 at 3:00 pm in our Sanctuary. The afternoon will conclude with a reception and refreshments in Pilgrim Hall.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir San Diego is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise funds through concerts to support educational grants for college-bound high school students in San Diego County pursuing studies in the visual and performing arts.

The choir’s repertoire centers on traditional and contemporary gospel music, while also drawing from Negro spirituals, anthems, and oratorios. Unlike many traditional gospel choirs, the ensemble includes dedicated bass and baritone parts, creating a rich and distinctive sound. Most music is taught by rote, honoring the oral tradition from which this music emerges, making the choir accessible and welcoming to singers of all backgrounds.

This joyful and powerful concert celebrates community, musical excellence, and the ongoing legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., while supporting the next generation of artists. All are welcome.

Mark your calendars for the second Friday of every month and join us for our Free Farmers' Market! We partner with Feeding San Diego to provide fresh produce and good food to our community—absolutely free.

Food Distribution:

• When: Second Friday of every month

• Time: Distribution begins at 12:30 PM

Volunteer Opportunities: We need dedicated volunteers to help make this event a success! You can assist with setup and distribution during the following shifts:

• Morning Shift: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

• Afternoon Shift: 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM

Everyone is welcome to come and receive nutritious food and fresh produce. Help us share the bounty and support our neighbors in need! If you're interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact the church office.

Together, let's make a difference in our community!

Monday Night Open Door Meal – All Are Welcome!

Join us every Monday (except the 2nd Monday of the month) at 7:00 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall for our Open Door Meal—a free, warm meal for anyone who could use one. Whether you’re in need of a meal yourself or know someone who might benefit, we invite you to come, eat, and share in a time of community and care. No reservations, no requirements—just a good meal and a welcoming space.

Spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

Please join the women (young and old) of our congregation in an evening of service and sharing time, food, and conversation with each other. And bring your friends. We will have a speaker for a short presentation and decide how to budget Women’s Fellowship money for 2026. If you are among the two dozen women who usually attend the evening, I guarantee you will again feel good about this event. Please bring with you a friend who has not been with us before so they too can enjoy this evening together.

New Members Class
Right after our 10:00 a.m. worship gathering, join us for a special New Members Class. Together, we’ll explore what it means to be part of a church family—learning about where we’ve been, where we are now, and where God is leading us. This class is a chance to ask questions, hear our story, and discover how you can connect more deeply with the life of First Congregational Church of Ramona.

If, after the class, you feel ready, you’ll also have the opportunity to officially become a member of FCC Ramona—a way of publicly saying, “This is my church family.”

Monday Night Open Door Meal – All Are Welcome!

Join us every Monday (except the 2nd Monday of the month) at 7:00 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall for our Open Door Meal—a free, warm meal for anyone who could use one. Whether you’re in need of a meal yourself or know someone who might benefit, we invite you to come, eat, and share in a time of community and care. No reservations, no requirements—just a good meal and a welcoming space.

Spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

Join us for an informal and open conversation about Abiding in Amen: Prayer in a Secular Age, a book written by your pastor, Dr. Wes Ellis. This gathering is an opportunity to hear about the heart and themes of the book, reflect together on prayer in our own time, and ask questions in a relaxed setting.

Pastor Wes will offer a brief overview of the book and then open the floor for conversation and questions. You do not need to have read the book beforehand—this gathering is simply a space for curiosity, reflection, and shared conversation.

Sunday, January 25th at 4:00 p.m.
Fireside Room

All are welcome.

Each year, our Annual Gathering offers us a meaningful moment to pause, give thanks, and look ahead together. This year’s gathering will take place on Sunday, January 25 at 11:15 a.m., and it will be an important moment in the life of our church.

This meeting is both a celebration and a time of discernment. We’ll take time to reflect on the ways we have seen faithfulness, generosity, and shared life unfold throughout 2025, and we’ll also begin shaping our common vision for 2026. This is not just a business meeting—it’s an act of communal hope, a way of listening together for where God may be leading us next.

Because of the decisions before us, we do need a quorum, and that means your presence truly matters. Every member’s participation helps ensure that our shared discernment reflects the whole body. If you are able, please make this gathering a priority.

Ahead of the meeting, annual reports—including a proposed budget for 2026—will be distributed. We encourage everyone to take time to read through these materials in advance and to come prepared with questions, insights, and a sense of anticipation. Thoughtful preparation allows our time together to be focused, collaborative, and hopeful.

At its heart, this gathering is about trust: trust in one another, trust in the work we are called to share, and trust that God is already at work among us and ahead of us. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate what has been and prayerfully imagine what may yet be.

We look forward to seeing you on January 25 at 11:15 a.m. and to discerning the year ahead—together.

Sun Valley Song Stage – January 24 at First Congregational Church of Ramona

First Congregational Church of Ramona is thrilled to partner with Jeff Berkley to present the first-ever Sun Valley Song Stage—a listening room experience designed to showcase the best of local and touring musical talent.

Join us on Friday evening, January 24, as our sanctuary becomes an intimate venue where stories are sung, artistry is celebrated, and the community comes together around great music. This inaugural event features performances by Jeff Berkley, Sara Petite, and Tim Flannery, three outstanding artists known for their craft, depth, and connection with audiences.

Admission is $20 per person, payable at the door. Doors open at 6:00pm

Come enjoy an unforgettable night of music and community at the debut of the Sun Valley Song Stage. You won’t want to miss it!

Monday Night Open Door Meal – All Are Welcome!

Join us every Monday (except the 2nd Monday of the month) at 7:00 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall for our Open Door Meal—a free, warm meal for anyone who could use one. Whether you’re in need of a meal yourself or know someone who might benefit, we invite you to come, eat, and share in a time of community and care. No reservations, no requirements—just a good meal and a welcoming space.

Spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

Mark your calendars for the second Friday of every month and join us for our Free Farmers' Market! We partner with Feeding San Diego to provide fresh produce and good food to our community—absolutely free.

Food Distribution:

• When: Second Friday of every month

• Time: Distribution begins at 12:30 PM

Volunteer Opportunities: We need dedicated volunteers to help make this event a success! You can assist with setup and distribution during the following shifts:

• Morning Shift: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

• Afternoon Shift: 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM

Everyone is welcome to come and receive nutritious food and fresh produce. Help us share the bounty and support our neighbors in need! If you're interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact the church office.

Together, let's make a difference in our community!

Monday Night Open Door Meal – All Are Welcome!

Join us every Monday (except the 2nd Monday of the month) at 7:00 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall for our Open Door Meal—a free, warm meal for anyone who could use one. Whether you’re in need of a meal yourself or know someone who might benefit, we invite you to come, eat, and share in a time of community and care. No reservations, no requirements—just a good meal and a welcoming space.

Spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

This Christmas Eve, we invite you to join us for a heartwarming worship gathering filled with love, joy, and community.

Service Times: 5pm, 6pm, & 7pm

Living Nativity: Witness the story of Jesus' birth come to life with our beautiful living Nativity scene.
Candlelight Service: Embrace the warmth and light of the season as we light candles together in a moment of reflection and hope.

Christmas Carols: Sing along to your favorite carols and immerse yourself in the festive spirit.

Gospel Message: Hear the story of Christmas and its message of love and redemption.

All are welcome! Whether you’re a long-time member or a first-time visitor, come and share in the joy of this special evening.

Celebrate with us and make this Christmas Eve unforgettable.

Monday Night Open Door Meal – All Are Welcome!

Join us every Monday (except the 2nd Monday of the month) at 7:00 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall for our Open Door Meal—a free, warm meal for anyone who could use one. Whether you’re in need of a meal yourself or know someone who might benefit, we invite you to come, eat, and share in a time of community and care. No reservations, no requirements—just a good meal and a welcoming space.

Spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

Join us for a special Christmas Cantata as our choir leads us in a beautiful, inspiring musical celebration of the season. The bulk of our worship gathering will be devoted to music, featuring a moving medley of anticipatory and hope-filled Christmas hymns that help prepare our hearts for the joy of Christ’s coming.

Please note: There will be only one service this Sunday—10am.

This is a wonderful opportunity to invite a friend, share the beauty of the season, and experience the spirit of Christmas together. All are welcome!

Every Advent, we hear familiar Scriptures from the prophets: “The virgin will conceive…”, “Unto us a child is born…”, “But you, Bethlehem…”. We are told these prophecies predicted the birth of Jesus long before it happened. But what if the original audiences heard them differently? What if these words had a meaning and fulfillment in their own time?

“From Promise to Presence: Advent Prophecy Revisited” will invite us to step into the world of Israel’s prophets, to hear these texts as their first hearers would have heard them—and then to notice how the Gospel writers, looking back through the lens of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, re-read these same texts with fresh eyes. Far from weakening their power, this deeper understanding shows us how God’s promises keep unfolding in surprising, faithful ways. Together, we’ll discover why prophecy is not about fortune-telling but about God’s ongoing presence and hope for the world.

Week 1 — “What Child is This?”

• Isaiah 7:14 — “The virgin will conceive…”

• Context: King Ahaz seeking reassurance.

• NT: Matthew 1 and the birth of Immanuel.

• Micah 5:2 — “But you, Bethlehem…”

• Context: Hope for a ruler from David’s line in a time of instability.

• NT: Jesus’ birthplace and God’s surprising way of raising up a king.

Discussion: Why might God choose such ordinary or unexpected signs (a child, a village) to embody hope?

Week 2 — “Glory to The Newborn King?” 

• Isaiah 9:6–7 — “Unto us a child is born…”

• Context: A coronation hymn for a Davidic king, titles of divine blessing

• NT: Jesus as the Prince of Peace, fulfilling Israel’s deepest hopes.

• Jeremiah 23:5–6 — “The Righteous Branch…”

• Context: A promise of a faithful ruler after corruption and exile.

• NT: Jesus as the true Shepherd-King who brings justice and peace.

Discussion: How do we hold together the longing for a political/earthly king and the deeper fulfillment in Christ?

Week 3 — “Ransom Captive Israel”

• Hosea 11:1 — “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

• Context: Israel’s Exodus story remembered.

• NT: Matthew re-applies it to Jesus’ return from Egypt

Discussion: How does seeing Jesus as the embodiment of Israel deepen our sense of Advent hope?

• Reframing Prophecy

• Naming the tension: These prophecies weren’t originally “predictions” of Jesus in a straightforward sense.

• The bigger vision: Prophecy is about God’s faithfulness—God was present then, and God is present now.

• Encouragement for Advent:

• Scripture is layered and alive—God’s Word meets people in new ways in every generation.

• The Gospel writers teach us to read our lives the same way: to look back and say, “Even here, God was with me.”

• Advent is about recognizing God’s surprising fulfillment of promises, not just in Bethlehem long ago, but in our world and our lives today.

Closing Question: How does this way of seeing prophecy shape the way you wait for God this Advent?

Rather than leaving with disillusionment (“those weren’t really about Jesus?”), participants will leave with a richer sense of wonder: God’s promises are not thin predictions but deep patterns of faithfulness that take on fuller and fuller meaning across time. The same God who gave hope to Israel and fulfillment in Christ continues to speak hope into our lives.

Monday Night Open Door Meal – All Are Welcome!

Join us every Monday (except the 2nd Monday of the month) at 7:00 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall for our Open Door Meal—a free, warm meal for anyone who could use one. Whether you’re in need of a meal yourself or know someone who might benefit, we invite you to come, eat, and share in a time of community and care. No reservations, no requirements—just a good meal and a welcoming space.

Spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

Join us for a joyful evening to kick off the Advent season together! We’ll gather in Pilgrim Hall at 4:30 p.m. for a potluck meal (an early dinner), then head to the Sanctuary to lift our voices in Christmas Carols. After singing, we’ll return to Pilgrim Hall for family-friendly Advent crafts—a wonderful way to celebrate the season, prepare our hearts, and create memories together. Bring a dish to share and your holiday spirit!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1212858150884365/

Mark your calendars for the second Friday of every month and join us for our Free Farmers' Market! We partner with Feeding San Diego to provide fresh produce and good food to our community—absolutely free.

Food Distribution:

• When: Second Friday of every month

• Time: Distribution begins at 12:30 PM

Volunteer Opportunities: We need dedicated volunteers to help make this event a success! You can assist with setup and distribution during the following shifts:

• Morning Shift: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

• Afternoon Shift: 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM

Everyone is welcome to come and receive nutritious food and fresh produce. Help us share the bounty and support our neighbors in need! If you're interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact the church office.

Together, let's make a difference in our community!

Every Advent, we hear familiar Scriptures from the prophets: “The virgin will conceive…”, “Unto us a child is born…”, “But you, Bethlehem…”. We are told these prophecies predicted the birth of Jesus long before it happened. But what if the original audiences heard them differently? What if these words had a meaning and fulfillment in their own time?

“From Promise to Presence: Advent Prophecy Revisited” will invite us to step into the world of Israel’s prophets, to hear these texts as their first hearers would have heard them—and then to notice how the Gospel writers, looking back through the lens of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, re-read these same texts with fresh eyes. Far from weakening their power, this deeper understanding shows us how God’s promises keep unfolding in surprising, faithful ways. Together, we’ll discover why prophecy is not about fortune-telling but about God’s ongoing presence and hope for the world.

Week 1 — “What Child is This?”

• Isaiah 7:14 — “The virgin will conceive…”

• Context: King Ahaz seeking reassurance.

• NT: Matthew 1 and the birth of Immanuel.

• Micah 5:2 — “But you, Bethlehem…”

• Context: Hope for a ruler from David’s line in a time of instability.

• NT: Jesus’ birthplace and God’s surprising way of raising up a king.

Discussion: Why might God choose such ordinary or unexpected signs (a child, a village) to embody hope?

Week 2 — “Glory to The Newborn King?” 

• Isaiah 9:6–7 — “Unto us a child is born…”

• Context: A coronation hymn for a Davidic king, titles of divine blessing

• NT: Jesus as the Prince of Peace, fulfilling Israel’s deepest hopes.

• Jeremiah 23:5–6 — “The Righteous Branch…”

• Context: A promise of a faithful ruler after corruption and exile.

• NT: Jesus as the true Shepherd-King who brings justice and peace.

Discussion: How do we hold together the longing for a political/earthly king and the deeper fulfillment in Christ?

Week 3 — “Ransom Captive Israel”

• Hosea 11:1 — “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

• Context: Israel’s Exodus story remembered.

• NT: Matthew re-applies it to Jesus’ return from Egypt

Discussion: How does seeing Jesus as the embodiment of Israel deepen our sense of Advent hope?

• Reframing Prophecy

• Naming the tension: These prophecies weren’t originally “predictions” of Jesus in a straightforward sense.

• The bigger vision: Prophecy is about God’s faithfulness—God was present then, and God is present now.

• Encouragement for Advent:

• Scripture is layered and alive—God’s Word meets people in new ways in every generation.

• The Gospel writers teach us to read our lives the same way: to look back and say, “Even here, God was with me.”

• Advent is about recognizing God’s surprising fulfillment of promises, not just in Bethlehem long ago, but in our world and our lives today.

Closing Question: How does this way of seeing prophecy shape the way you wait for God this Advent?

Rather than leaving with disillusionment (“those weren’t really about Jesus?”), participants will leave with a richer sense of wonder: God’s promises are not thin predictions but deep patterns of faithfulness that take on fuller and fuller meaning across time. The same God who gave hope to Israel and fulfillment in Christ continues to speak hope into our lives.