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

For Such A Time as This

 …And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

Beloved Community,

This coming Sunday we will have the opportunity to participate in one of the most important decisions our church has made in its more than 150-year history. Together we will vote on whether to accept the proposal from MidPen to purchase our land for the development of low-income housing for families.

This is an exciting opportunity and, of course, it will mean big changes to the campus we have enjoyed these many decades. Change is hard, no matter how you slice it. Yet, in the spiritual realm especially, it is change that enables us to grow and deepen our trust and faith in God and community.

Church is not a building; church is made up of the people who faithfully serve God by loving one another and being of use in the world. By that definition, our church has never been stronger than it is now. We have weathered many a storm and nail biting turns in the road that has led us to now. Through it all we have grown closer to one another and stronger in our conviction to follow the Way of love set out by Jesus.

A recent survey, published by Sojourner’s magazine, estimated that by the year 2030 over 100,000 church properties will be sold in the US. For smallish congregations like ours, the question of needing to sell our property has never been an if but a when. Getting to this place in the decision-making process while we still have positive choices and possibilities has taken enormous courage, vision and leadership. We will forever honor the team of volunteers to have given so generously of themselves during these past three years of discernment.

We have much to feel proud of about the legacy of FCCS and its impact on Sonoma, the biggest accomplishment yet, may well be the decision we make on Sunday. My prayer is that we all come together with open hearts and open minds, prepared to follow Spirit’s lead, trusting in the everlasting arms of grace that surround with us now and will be with us always.

With love,
Curran