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

June 30, 2025

This week, I devote my column to Leonardo Lobato's words:
 

Dear La Luz Family,

Intensified immigration enforcement actions in Southern California and other regions have upended lives and sent waves of fear through families throughout the Latino community nationwide.

Sonoma Valley has not yet been directly targeted. However, we are deeply feeling the ripple effects. Parents in our community are questioning whether it's safe to walk with their children. Workers are hesitating to show up for their jobs. Ailing neighbors are forgoing medical care. The possibility of being separated from loved ones overnight is not just frightening—it is traumatic.

At La Luz, we stand firm in our mission to create opportunities and conditions for the most vulnerable individuals and families in our community to step into their own power and protect what matters most to them. With the support of our partners, donors, and the broader Sonoma Valley network, we are taking action to ensure our Latino neighbors have the information, resources, knowledge, and confidence to face this moment with dignity and strength.

Every member of our staff is actively sharing know your rights information with our clients. Our Direct Services team is working one-on-one with families—listening with compassion, answering questions, and helping parents create emergency plans to ensure their children and loved ones are protected in the event of separation.

We are also working with trusted legal service partners across Sonoma Valley and Sonoma County to expand access to naturalization assistance and immigration relief programs for eligible individuals.

Thanks to the generosity of those who have contributed to the efforts described above, we are now ramping up to reach as many Latino families in Sonoma Valley as possible, building on the groundwork we began in November and intensified in January. With this new support, we are scaling up our work even further—bringing resources, information, and support directly to our neighbors that need it most.

Our aspiration is clear: to reach every Latino household in Sonoma Valley with resources that defend what matters most—family, dignity, and living without fear.

At the same time, we continue to deliver our core strategic programs that support the most vulnerable members of Sonoma Valley. These include basic-needs services, family services, English as a second language (ESL) classes for adults, support for entrepreneurs and small business, and parent and child early education.

To all of you who stand with us—thank you. Your support elevates our work and brings hope to our neighbors. If you have a wish to further support our efforts, call our office anytime. Together, we are La Luz. Together we are a stronger Sonoma Valley community.

In deep gratitude,
Leonardo Lobato