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.

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!

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)
📖 September 7 – The Day Alone (pages 76–89)
📖 October 5 – Ministry (pages 90–109)
📖 November 2 – 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!

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!

Bingo Fundraiser at First Congregational Church of Ramona
Date: Friday, November 9, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: First Congregational Church of Ramona

Join us for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and community as we host our Bingo Fundraiser! Bring your friends, family, and lucky charms for exciting rounds of bingo with fantastic prizes to be won. This is a great way to enjoy a lively event while supporting the ministries and programs of First Congregational Church of Ramona.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1514805696198341/

Join us for a short gathering at Collier Park

Join Serve Ramona in putting together care kits for our un-housed neighbors!

One of the best ways you can help out is to purchase items from our wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1WIDUB976DPHW?ref_=wl_share

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 on Saturday, November 1st at 9:00 a.m. for a church-wide Storage Audit! This is a hands-on opportunity for leadership and anyone involved in ministries that use storage—Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Care Ministries, Music & Sacred Arts, Christian Education & Spiritual Formation, Boy Scouts, Diaconate, and more—to come together, go through our storage areas, and make them more organized and functional.

We’ll work as a team to sort, purge, and reimagine our spaces, making it easier for everyone to find what they need and ensure our resources are being used well. Bring your energy, ideas, and maybe a pair of gloves—let’s refresh our storage spaces 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!

The Lion is the Lamb

A Study of the Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation is one of the most misunderstood books in the Bible. Too often it’s treated like a code to be cracked or a roadmap of the end times. But at its heart, Revelation is resistance literature saturated in what we might now call liberation theology. It was written to and from marginalized communities living under the shadow of Roman oppression. It’s not about predicting the future so much as giving courage in the present.

In this four-week study, we’ll approach Revelation as a word of hope for communities under pressure. The book calls its readers to “endure” in the face of empire, showing that true victory comes not through force but through faithful witness, even when it leads to suffering. At the center is the great paradox of Christian faith: the Lion who conquers is revealed as a slain Lamb, whose self-giving love unmasks the powers of violence and redefines what it means to overcome.

Together, we’ll explore Revelation’s reversal of power, its call to resistance, and its vision of a new creation where God dwells with humanity and the nations are healed. Join us as we discover how this strange and beautiful book still speaks a word of courage, endurance, and hope today.

Week 1 — Endurance (Rev. 1–3)

• Focus: Context of Domitian’s rule; apocalyptic literature as resistance literature and liberation theology.

• Theologian Spotlight: Gustavo Gutierrez

• Key Texts: Revelation 1 (vision of Christ), Revelation 2–3 (letters to the seven churches).

• Themes: “Remain faithful,” “endure,” “to the one who conquers…”

• Interpretive Move: Martyrdom = endurance = victory.

• Takeaway Question: What does endurance look like for communities under pressure today? What is liberation theology? 

Week 2 — The Slain Lamb (Rev. 4–7)

• Focus: Throne room vision (Rev. 4–5), the scroll, the slain Lamb revealed as the true conqueror.

• Theologian Spotlight: Elsa Tamez

• Key Texts: Revelation 5 (lion/lamb paradox), Revelation 6–7 (seals and the washing of robes).

• Themes: Irony of apocalyptic dualism — the apparent winners (Rome) are losers, and the slain are victorious.

• Interpretive Move: Victory does not come through killing but through suffering love and fidelity to Christ.

• Takeaway Question: How might the Lamb’s way of power reshape our understanding of resistance? 

Week 3 — The Beasts and Babylon: Unmasking Empire (Rev. 12–18)

• Focus: Dragon, beasts, and the whore of Babylon as images of Roman power.

• Theologian Spotlight: James Cone 

• Key Texts: Revelation 13 (the beast and the false prophet), Revelation 17–18 (Babylon’s downfall).

• Themes: The Emperor (first beast), Roman propaganda/imperial cult (second beast), economic exploitation (Babylon).

• Interpretive Move: To “endure” is to resist and to “come out of her” — disengaging from systems of idolatry, violence, and greed.

• Takeaway Question: What does it mean to resist the beasts of our own time? What systems of oppression do we need to “come out of”? 

Week 4 — Victory of the Lamb: Healing of the Nations (Rev. 19–22)

• Focus: Final victory of the Lamb, the New Jerusalem, God’s dwelling with humanity.

• Theologian Spotlight: Jurgen Moltmann

• Key Texts: Revelation 19:11–16 (the rider on the white horse), Revelation 21–22 (new creation, healing of the nations).

• Themes: God’s victory is restorative, not destructive — the nations are healed, the curse is lifted.

• Interpretive Move: The apocalypse ends not in escape but in God’s descent, dwelling with humanity.

• Takeaway Question: How do we live today as citizens of the New Jerusalem, resisting evil while anticipating healing?