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

7/6/2026

Greetings Beloved Community,

I hope you have been able to take in some of the gifts of the summer season. I have been taking pleasure is reading more both in preparation for our book group on Wednesday evenings, and for my own edification. I love a good mystery or political thrillers, I listen to a lot of those while I do my pottery or take walks. I know that genre doesn’t appeal to everyone and honestly, I go through them like sugared cereal - all the plot lines kind of running together. They aren’t very recommendable or even memorable, that is sort of the point of summer reading.

Two books I can recommend that are not of a criminal nature are “Separation of Church and Hate,” by comedian, political satirist, and all-around thoughtful dude John Fugelsang. He calls the book “A sane person’s guide to taking back the bible from Fundamentalists, fascists, and flock-fleecing frauds.” There is a quote on the jacket by Willie Nelson that reads, “John Fugelsang nails it. The Bible says in 1 John 4:8 that ‘God is love.’ Period. End of story!”

The second is Father Gregory Boyle’s newest stroke of genius is called, “Cherished Belonging; the healing power of love in divided times.” His premise is that all the discord in the world is a result of forgetting that we belong to one another. He is funny and deep and walks the walk.

Both are uplifting, encouraging and very worth your time.

I have also been taking a deeper dive into the Parables of Jesus. Engaging Diana Butler Bass’, “A Beautiful Year,” and Amy-Jill Levine’s, “Short Stories by Jesus.” Our Wednesday evening group has wrestled with several of them and connected them with current events, which is surprisingly easy to do. As a result of those discussions (to which you are all invited: Wednesdays 4-5:30) I am going to spend several sermons this summer engaging the parables with you. We will begin with the Parable of the Prodigal Son on Sunday, July 12.

I hope you enjoyed hearing from our recent guests Rev. Emily Labrecque and Mickey Abate as much as I did. The word Sophia in Greek means wisdom of the mysteries of God. I find both Emily and Mickey are wise beyond their years. They have courage that calls to us to live out our dreams for a better way of being the human family, connected and in harmony with one another and our planet.

While I am away this week, I am around for most of July, and you are welcome to stop by my new office located just off the peace plaza in the center of campus. I am in Tuesday and Thursday mornings until noon.

Wishing you continued fun in the sun and lots of joy in July.