Our upcoming Advent study, “From Promise to Presence: Advent Prophecy Revisited,” will explore these questions with depth, curiosity, and wonder. Together, we’ll step into the world of Israel’s prophets, listen as their original audiences might have listened, and then notice how the Gospel writers, inspired by Christ’s presence among them, re-read these Scriptures with new eyes. Rather than weakening these texts, this fuller understanding reveals how God’s promises unfold across time—faithfully, creatively, and often surprisingly.

We’re welcoming the newest member of our church staff, David Mallonee.

We’re asking for help in purchasing supplies for the kits. If you’d like to contribute, you can find our Amazon Wish List here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1WIDUB976DPHW?ref_=wl_share

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.