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

1/26/2026

Greetings Beloved Community,

I am remembering to myself the timeworn truth that good things happen when we sit still. On my annual private Advent Retreat this past year, I did a lot of sitting. There is a big comfy chair in the studio cabin overlooking Lake Tahoe. When I sit in that chair, good things happen. I have seen a bald eagle swoop down from the sky and catch a fish, then fly close enough to the window I thought it might come crashing through the glass. I have seen snow fall on pines and Madrones. I have seen the Lake change with the colors of the sky.

This year, I saw a book on the shelf in the aptly named “Pastor’s Cabin.” There is a journal that a vast array of clergy writes in when they visit. There are also Bibles and romance novels, but my eye fell to a book written by Rachel Held Evans. She is someone I’d heard about but never read. Tragically, she died very suddenly at the age of 37. At her memorial it was said about her that she is to Evangelical Christianity what Martin Luther was to the Reformation.

By page three I knew we needed to read this book together. Rachel talks about the Bible in approachable and funny ways, plus she is a wonderful storyteller. I think you will be as captivated as I am. I have chosen this book, Inspired; Slaying Giants, Walking on Water and Loving the Bible Again, as our text for a Lenten Study this year. Ash Wednesday is on February 18, and that is when our study will begin. We will continue right up until Holy Week.

“Rachel Held Evans takes the stodgy, ancient bundle of work we call the Bible and makes it accessible without trampling its ancient origin or cultural contexts. Inspired is both delightful and essential.”(Mike McHargue)

I hope you will join me in doing a deep dive into re-educating ourselves about Biblical wisdom. The group will engage in rich and meaningful discussions about how this ancient and sacred text can inform our lives anew.

Looking forward to learning with you.

Big love always,
Curran

Class Notes
Inspired; Slaying Giants, Walking on Water and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans

Please order the book for the class and read the Introduction and the first chapter “Origin Stories” and “The Well.” Underline passages that are of interest to you and come with thoughts and questions. Each week we will read one or two chapters. You do not have to attend all the classes, but participants are expected to read all the assigned chapters. We’ll have a blast!

Six-Week Class Schedule

Wednesdays, February 18 - March 25

Early evening from 4-5:30 p.m.

West Wing (where chair yoga is the first Sunday of the month)