Rev. Dr. Curran Reichert, Pastor

The slightly irreverent Reverend Dr. Curran Reichert has been stirring up “good trouble,” and serving up questions that challenge us to grow spiritually for the past ten years at FCC. She believes in the power of Spiritual community to be a force for good in the world. Curran is highly educated and dedicated to making Sonoma Valley a more just and equitable place.

Throughout the Valley, Rev. Reichert lends her perspective as a faith leader to addressing the need for fair housing and worker justice. She has been a leading voice concerning fair treatment of those without permanent shelter. She is committed to doing her part to end racial bias and deconstruct colonialism in the church and in our community.

Rev. Reichert understands that Christianity can be scary for people who have suffered abuse, or oppression due to bigotry and religious intolerance. She creates what she hopes will be a safe entry point for those seeking the support of a radically inclusive community of faith. Her motto is “Purpose, Presence, and Practice,” she embodies all three.

We love our pastor, and we think you will love her to. If you would like to make an appointment to meet with Rev. Reichert, receive prayers, or a visit from our support team, send her a message or call the church office at 707.996.1328.

Rev. Reichert often says, “FCC is the place you would want to go to church if you went to church.” We are a gathering of spirited people who care about earth justice, speaking out about injustice, tending to the vulnerable, and learning to find common ground, these are the relevant earmarks of our congregation. We invite you to join us on Sunday mornings either contemplative at 9:00am or regular in person at 10:30am. Here is the Zoom link for our 8:30 a.m. service.

Thoughts from the Pastor

11/02/2025

Beloved Community,

The following is an excerpt of reflections from a clergy pre-Advent brainstorming session presented by Sanctified Arts, a creative resource for Sunday liturgies.

Last week, a group of progressive pastors met online to discuss the upcoming advent season. In a prayerful time of moving through fear toward hope, participants responded to a few questions: 

What fears, laments, or longings do you offer to God?
What are some tangible ways you are practicing hope right now?
Where do you see glimmers of hope in the world?

To each prompt, the chat overflowed with responses. We lament the immense suffering of so many. We fear for immigrant neighbors and for our divided communities. We fear we are not enough or that we're inadequately meeting the needs of this world.

In the midst of many overlapping fears, we also named the glimmers of hope emerging: in the changing seasons, in the laughter of children, in new connections, in people dialoguing and serving together beyond political and socioeconomic boundaries.

Perhaps what was most striking were the many ways people are practicing hope right now. Among many responses, these particular practices of hope stood out:

• Monthly community dinners for our neighbors.
• Integrating silliness and play into acts of resistance.
• Holding stress management classes & offering space for political grief support.
• Taking pictures and journaling about what I notice.
• Dancing at home almost every night.
• Gardening with my hands in the earth.
• Putting things on the calendar and investing in the future.
• Bottle feeding puppies at a local animal rescue.
• Doing small things with great love and care.
• Providing opportunities to craft, share stories, and make art together.
• Practicing presence and persistent prayer.
• Lighting a candle.

As you move through these days, perhaps you can try on one of these practices of tangible hope. May these practices remind you that God is still at work, making all things new.

With Love,
Curran