We give thanks for the ministry of Rev. Lawrence Hand, who has served as the Interim Pastor of one of our sister churches, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, during a very challenging season in the life of their congregation. With wisdom, compassion, and steady leadership, Pastor Larry has guided Spirit of Joy with grace and care, helping the community remain centered in faith and hope.

The word “mainline” originally comes from the Main Line suburbs outside Philadelphia, which developed along the Pennsylvania Railroad. The churches most prominent in those communities—Episcopal, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and others—came to represent the mainstream of American Protestant life in the early 20th century. As these traditions grew across the country, they became known collectively as the Mainline Churches.

What to expect when you come to First Congregational Church of Ramona.

On Wednesday evening, August 20th, a group of us gathered in the Fireside Room for a special time of prayer and meditation. The warm and quiet space made it the perfect setting to slow down, breathe, and open ourselves to God’s presence. Together we explored three ancient yet accessible practices of prayer.

The article by Shireen Korkzan, titled “Ecumenical partnership gives San Diego-area teens inclusive space to be themselves”, tells the story of how four Ramona congregations—First Congregational Church of Ramona, Ramona United Methodist Church, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, and St. Mary’s in the Valley Episcopal Church—have come together to create a safe and welcoming space for local youth.

At First Congregational Church, we are committed to being radically faithful to the Bible—not just in word, but in practice. That means we refuse to compromise when it comes to the core teachings of Scripture. But true faithfulness doesn’t mean forcing the Bible to say what we already want to hear. It means allowing the text to shape us—even when it challenges us, corrects us, or leads us away from comfort.

We’re excited to share that the Ramona Sentinel has published a thoughtful and encouraging article about the Ramona Youth Collaborative—our new youth ministry program in partnership with three other local churches committed to nurturing the spiritual lives of teenagers in our community.

This Sunday, June 8th, we’re celebrating Pentecost Sunday, and we want to invite everyone to join in a beautiful and meaningful tradition: wear something red to church!

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.

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.

Palm Sunday is more than a festive moment marking the beginning of Holy Week. It is more than palm branches and hosannas, more than children in procession or the waving of greenery in sanctuaries. It is a theological drama, a prophetic act of resistance, a critique of empire, and a deep reminder of who Jesus is—and who he came for.

We are thrilled to announce that Raymond Swaveley has been hired as the new Director of the Ramona Youth Collaborative! After a thorough search, we are confident that Ray is the right person to lead and grow this ecumenical partnership, nurturing the spiritual formation of youth in our community.

With heartfelt gratitude, we honor Jamie Walton as he concludes his role as our Youth & Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Jamie has served with dedication, compassion, and a genuine love for the young people in our congregation. His work has impacted countless lives, and we are thankful for his leadership, commitment, and care.

As Paul reminds us, the ultimate blessing we receive is God’s grace in Christ—grace that equips us for every good work and reminds us that love, expressed through service or giving, is not contingent upon the worthiness of the recipient, but upon the loving kindness of the giver. We love because God first loved us.

As Julie Galant of the Ramona Sentinel recently reported, Ramona Grange No. 632 has closed its doors to the longstanding Open Door program, leaving the community searching for a new venue. These dinners, which have provided meals and fellowship for homeless and low-income individuals for about 30 years, are a vital resource in our community. First Congregational Church of Ramona is exploring the possibility of hosting this program, offering a space to continue meeting the needs of our neighbors in a spirit of compassion and hospitality.

The concept of Blue Christmas services originated in the late 20th century, often linked to liturgical practices in the Anglican and United Methodist traditions. Sometimes called “Longest Night” services, these gatherings offer a quiet, contemplative space for those who find the holiday season difficult.