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!

You're Invited: Understanding and Supporting Mental Health – A Special WISE Event

Dates: Monday, May 13 & Monday, May 27
Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: The Fireside Room, First Congregational Church of Ramona

As part of our church’s ongoing WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) initiative, we invite you to a two-part educational and compassionate gathering focused on mental health and anxiety.

Presented in partnership with Vista Hill SmartCare, this free event will help us better understand what anxiety is, how to manage it, and how to care for those who are experiencing it. Whether you struggle with anxiety yourself or want to be a better support to others, this is a space for learning, encouragement, and hope.

Join us as we live out our mission to walk alongside all who are on the journey toward mental wellness.

Everyone is welcome. Come as you are.

Have you or someone you know been affected by anxiety?

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!

The Church Council invites you to join us in reading and discussing Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This spiritual classic explores what it means to live in Christian community, drawing from Bonhoeffer’s own experience leading an underground seminary during Nazi rule. His reflections on fellowship, prayer, ministry, and confession remain deeply relevant today.

We’ll take our time with the book, meeting once every several weeks to allow space for reflection and practice. Each gathering will focus on a different section:

📖 May 25 – Community (pages 7–39)
📖 July 6 – The Day with Others (pages 40–75)
📖 August 3 – The Day Alone (pages 76–89)
📖 September 7 – Ministry (pages 90–109)
📖 October 5 – Confession and Communion (pages 110–122)

We ask for a $15 donation per participant to cover the cost of the book. Please RSVP so we know how many copies to order.

Come journey with us as we reflect on what it means to share life together in faith!

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!

You're Invited: Understanding and Supporting Mental Health – A Special WISE Event

Dates: Monday, May 13 & Monday, May 27
Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: The Fireside Room, First Congregational Church of Ramona

As part of our church’s ongoing WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) initiative, we invite you to a two-part educational and compassionate gathering focused on mental health and anxiety.

Presented in partnership with Vista Hill SmartCare, this free event will help us better understand what anxiety is, how to manage it, and how to care for those who are experiencing it. Whether you struggle with anxiety yourself or want to be a better support to others, this is a space for learning, encouragement, and hope.

Join us as we live out our mission to walk alongside all who are on the journey toward mental wellness.

Everyone is welcome. Come as you are.

Have you or someone you know been affected by anxiety?

Rev. Rachael Pryor to Visit on May 11, 2025

We are delighted to announce that Rev. Rachael Pryor, Conference Minister of the Southern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC), will be our guest preacher on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Rev. Pryor brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to justice, advocacy, and inclusive ministry. Her journey in ministry began in her childhood at Sylvania United Church of Christ in Northwest Ohio. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan and an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. Before her current role, she served as Associate Conference Minister with the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference and was part of the Tri-Conference staff team in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Additionally, she has worked with Kansas Interfaith Action, serving in various capacities including Board Chair and Director of Engagement and Development. Rev. Pryor has also served local congregations of the UCC and the ELCA in interim, transitional, and settled calls, and has experience in campus ministry, children and teen ministries, and new church starts.

Rev. Pryor's leadership is characterized by her dedication to building inclusive communities and her passion for nurturing faith across generations. She is a former participant in the UCC’s Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) and continues to inspire with her thoughtful reflections and commitment to service.

We invite you to join us for this special service to hear Rev. Pryor's message and to engage in meaningful worship together.

For more information about Rev. Rachael Pryor and her work, please visit the Southern California Nevada Conference website: SCNC UCC Staff.

Join us for our very first WISE event—an intentional hike focused on wellness, mental health, and spiritual grounding. We’ll gather at 9:00 a.m. at Barnett Ranch Preserve (map link) and embark on a self-guided hike along the scenic trails. Along the way, you’ll find reflection prompts created by Amanda Ellis and Lily Whigham to help you center yourself, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the sacredness of your own presence in the world.

This WISE hike is designed as a gentle and welcoming space to move your body, nourish your spirit, and attend to your mental and spiritual well-being. Whether you're coming to walk, to think, pray, or simply to be, you're welcome here.

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!

Join us for a relaxed and family-friendly evening of connection, conversation, and community! Our Young Families Potluck is a chance to share a meal, let the kids play, and enjoy some quality time with others who are in the same stage of life. There will be activities to keep the little ones entertained while the grown-ups get a chance to talk and catch up.

Date & Time: May 4th, at 5:00pm
Location: Hosted at the home of the Whigham family — contact us for the address!

Please bring a dish to share. We’d love to see you there!

📩 To RSVP and get the location, reach out to us at pastor@fccramona.org

Join us for the next Serve Ramona meeting—a gathering of churches, faith communities, and individuals who want to make a tangible difference in the Ramona community. Serve Ramona is a beautiful example of what happens when people of faith come together in unity to serve, support, and bless our neighbors.

Whether you've been part of Serve Ramona from the beginning or you're just curious to learn more, this is a wonderful opportunity to get involved. Together, we’ll share ideas, plan upcoming service projects, and build deeper connections across our faith communities.

Let’s work together to make Ramona an even more wonderful place to live—for everyone.

All are welcome.

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!

All members of First Congregational Church are warmly invited to attend our upcoming Church Council Meeting on Sunday, April 27th at 11:10 a.m. We’ll gather in the Youth Building following worship. This is an important opportunity to hear updates, share in conversation about the life of our church, and participate in shaping our community together. Childcare will be provided upon request. We hope to see you there!

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!

Ecumenical Good Friday Gathering
Friday, April 18, 2025 | Time 6:30pm
First Congregational Church of Ramona

Join us for a deeply moving Ecumenical Good Friday Gathering as we come together with congregations from Ramona, Escondido, and Poway to reflect on the passion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through Scripture, prayer, and music, we will journey through the story of the Cross, uniting in solemn remembrance of Christ’s love poured out for the world.

This gathering is a collaborative effort between First Congregational Church of Ramona (UCC), First Congregational Church of Escondido (UCC), Community Church of Poway (UCC), Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church (ELCA), St. Mary’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, and Ramona United Methodist Church. Together, these diverse Christian traditions will share in worship and reflection, bearing witness to the hope and love found in the story of Good Friday.

All are welcome to participate in this sacred time of reflection and devotion.

For more information, please contact us.

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!

LENTEN BIBLE STUDY: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Join us for a three-part Lenten Bible study as we journey through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, exploring his words as a proclamation of grace, relationship, and kingdom citizenship.

WHEN & WHERE:
📅 Week 1 – March 26 | 6:30 PM (Matthew 5)
📅 Week 2 – April 2 | 6:30 PM (Matthew 6)
📅 Week 3 – April 9 | 6:30 PM (Matthew 7)
📍 First Congregational Church of Ramona

WHAT WE’LL EXPLORE:

📖 Week 1 – March 26 (Matthew 5)
A deep dive into the Beatitudes, understanding them not as covert commandments but as blessings—a declaration of our identity in God's kingdom and a vision of the world to come.

📖 Week 2 – April 2 (Matthew 6)
Jesus extends the Torah, not as a call to mere piety, but as an invitation into relationship with God. We will explore his triads and the Lord’s Prayer, discovering how they shape our eschatological identity.

📖 Week 3 – April 9 (Matthew 7)
Discipleship means living now as citizens of the coming Kingdom. We'll reflect on Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders, discerning what it means to build our lives on the rock of Christ’s words.

Come and journey with us this Lent as we listen to Jesus’ vision of life in the Kingdom of God.
ALL ARE WELCOME!

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 SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Join us for a three-part Lenten Bible study as we journey through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, exploring his words as a proclamation of grace, relationship, and kingdom citizenship.

WHEN & WHERE:
📅 Week 1 – March 26 | 6:30 PM (Matthew 5)
📅 Week 2 – April 2 | 6:30 PM (Matthew 6)
📅 Week 3 – April 9 | 6:30 PM (Matthew 7)
📍 First Congregational Church of Ramona

WHAT WE’LL EXPLORE:

📖 Week 1 – March 26 (Matthew 5)
A deep dive into the Beatitudes, understanding them not as covert commandments but as blessings—a declaration of our identity in God's kingdom and a vision of the world to come.

📖 Week 2 – April 2 (Matthew 6)
Jesus extends the Torah, not as a call to mere piety, but as an invitation into relationship with God. We will explore his triads and the Lord’s Prayer, discovering how they shape our eschatological identity.

📖 Week 3 – April 9 (Matthew 7)
Discipleship means living now as citizens of the coming Kingdom. We'll reflect on Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders, discerning what it means to build our lives on the rock of Christ’s words.

Come and journey with us this Lent as we listen to Jesus’ vision of life in the Kingdom of God.
ALL ARE WELCOME!

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!

You're Invited to a New Members Class!

Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Fireside Room, First Congregational Church of Ramona

Are you interested in learning more about First Congregational Church of Ramona? Whether you're new to our community or have been attending for a while, this is a perfect opportunity to explore who we are, where we've been, and where we're going.

During this class, we'll discuss our church’s history, our mission and ministries, and our hopes for the future. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and get to know more about what it means to be part of our church family.

There’s no obligation to become a member by attending this class, but the option will be available to you if you feel ready to take that step.

Already a member? You're welcome too! Join us to refresh your understanding of our shared journey and vision for the future.

We’d love to see you there! If you have any questions, feel free to contact the church office.

Come and discover how you can be part of the story we’re writing together!

LENTEN BIBLE STUDY: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Join us for a three-part Lenten Bible study as we journey through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, exploring his words as a proclamation of grace, relationship, and kingdom citizenship.

WHEN & WHERE:
📅 Week 1 – March 26 | 6:30 PM (Matthew 5)
📅 Week 2 – April 2 | 6:30 PM (Matthew 6)
📅 Week 3 – April 9 | 6:30 PM (Matthew 7)
📍 First Congregational Church of Ramona

WHAT WE’LL EXPLORE:

📖 Week 1 – March 26 (Matthew 5)
A deep dive into the Beatitudes, understanding them not as covert commandments but as blessings—a declaration of our identity in God's kingdom and a vision of the world to come.

📖 Week 2 – April 2 (Matthew 6)
Jesus extends the Torah, not as a call to mere piety, but as an invitation into relationship with God. We will explore his triads and the Lord’s Prayer, discovering how they shape our eschatological identity.

📖 Week 3 – April 9 (Matthew 7)
Discipleship means living now as citizens of the coming Kingdom. We'll reflect on Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders, discerning what it means to build our lives on the rock of Christ’s words.

Come and journey with us this Lent as we listen to Jesus’ vision of life in the Kingdom of God.
ALL ARE WELCOME!

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!

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!

Join us for Serve Ramona Laundry Day on Thursday, March 14, at NBT Laundromat (1530 Main St, Ramona, CA 92065)! We’ll be there from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., covering the cost for anyone in the community to get their laundry done for free—including detergent and even snacks!

This event is made possible through Serve Ramona, an ecumenical partnership of local churches, including St. Mary’s in the Valley, Christ the King Anglican, Spirit of Joy Lutheran, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the Ramona Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ramona United Methodist, and more.

How You Can Help: We’re collecting donations of individually packaged snacks (granola bars, crackers, etc.) to share with our guests. If you’d like to contribute, please bring your donations to the church office.

Spread the word—let’s make this a day of service and care for our community!

Join us as we mark the beginning of Lent with Drive-Up Ashes on Ash Wednesday, March 5, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Albertsons parking lot.

The congregations of St. Mary’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, First Congregational Church, Ramona United Methodist Church, and Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church invite you to drive up, receive ashes and a blessing, and set your intentions for this sacred season.

No need to park—just drive up, receive your ashes, and go as we enter this holy time together. All are welcome!