Rev. Dr. Curran Reichert, Pastor

The vision I have for our congregation is to be the church people would go to if they went to church. I want visitors to walk through the sanctuary doors and feel the authenticity from the moment they enter to the moment they leave. It is my experience over this past decade of service that the love this congregation has to share is palpable and trustworthy. We are a group of faithful seekers who wrestle together with some of life’s most important questions. We are the church of justice and joy, embodying God’s invitation to practice radical abundance.

Each week, on Sundays and throughout the week, we practice our faith in God and our indomitable hope that what we do can and does have an impact on the world around us. We at First Congregational Church Sonoma are committed to our neighbors and community. It is our vision that each one of us, in small and larger ways, is a living prayer and champion for right action in our beautiful and hurting world.

We hope you will come and see us soon.

Rev. Curran Reichert

Thoughts from the Pastor
Look for Rev. Curran's articles on the first Monday of the month

8/3/2026

FREE WORKSHOP offered by transgender writer Ellie Krug

Ellie Krug, writer and speaker is on a 5,000 mile speaking tour across the country spreading her message of inclusion, belonging and culture change. She is coming through Sonoma and has offered to bring us together for this unique and life changing workshop. Seats are limited so sign up today.
 

Sonoma Community Center, Room 110

Monday, August 17, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Open Your Good Heart — Wake UP Sonoma

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Greetings Beloved Community,

Who is conspiring to help us thrive, with whom do we feel most ourselves?

None of us are immune to life circumstances. Our nervousness systems are always absorbing what and who is around us. Much of the wisdom offered to early Christian communities was about striving to be people who brought the best of themselves everywhere and to everyone the encountered. But our vibrancy is not a fixed point on our personality, it is more like an ember that flares up when spurred on, and smolders when it can’t get oxygen.

“If we were truly authentic, we would radiate the same wattage in every room, unaffected by who’s watching. It’s a noble fantasy. But it doesn’t match my experience of being a living creature among other living creatures/ we all become more completely, unmistakably ourselves in the presence of certain people who give us permission to unfurl.” - Rob Brezsney

Contrary to Puritanical indoctrination, it is not vain to need to be seen by others. It is precisely in being seen for who we fully are that reminds us of who we really mean to be.

Who are you spending time with this summer, how are you investing in your future self?
I like to think of summer as an opportunity to stock up on the good stuff. I try to go places, even for the day, that fill me with wonder and awe. I make it a point to catch up on friendships that don’t always get the attention they deserve during the busier months. I invest more of my efforts into creative outlets. This summer my goal has been to try new hiking paths using an app called AllTrails. Wherever I find myself I look up where to go for a short hike, it fills my cup.

1. Which people, animals, influences, and situations make you feel real?
2. Who and what encourages you to be your authentic self?
A proposed experiment: Make an actual list on paper, in ink. Title it: The People, Animals, Influences, and Situations That Make Me Feel Real.

Notice how your body answers before your mind does: A name or a face surfaces, or maybe an activity you’ve been neglecting because it doesn’t earn money or look productive. That flicker of warmth or longing is the trailhead.

Parker Palmer of the Center for Courage and Renewal reminds us that self-care is never selfish, it is an act of profound self-respect.

May August bathe you in glorious renewal.

With love,
Curran