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. While this marks the end of an era for the Grange as a venue, efforts are underway to continue the meal program and expand its reach in Ramona.

First Congregational Church of Ramona could step in as a host for the dinners, offering Pilgrim Hall as a welcoming space. The church could help ensure the continuation of this vital program. This would be an opportunity for our church to live into our identity as a church that helps people, particularly by feeding people, and a church that brings other churches together. Adjustments to the schedule will be needed to accommodate other activities, but FCC Ramona has the opportunity to expand our outreach, providing not only meals but also fellowship and support to those in need.

Read the article at the Ramona Sentinel.