Our Leaders

Our Pastor – Rev. Vangie Chavez

I am a native New Mexican who loves this great “Land of Enchantment,” and for the past 30+ years, I have had a passion and a calling to minister to and on behalf of God’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community; at Rising Sun Christian Community, I get to do just that!

I am thrilled to be serving in this awesome, loving, and passionate community of believers, where together, we strive to let the light of Christ shine in and through us, and take that out to our community.

Of course, I could not do this work without the support and partnership of my beautiful and amazing wife, Traci Chavez, who knows all too well the challenges of being a “Pastor’s Wife.”

I remain grateful to God for this wonderful place of worship and invite you to give us a try!

Board of Directors

Amelia Juarez
(Vice Moderator)

I took early retirement in 2016 and during the 20 years at my job I worked every Sunday. I had attended different churches in my past but never had the feeling that I truly belonged

Vicki White
(Secretary)

My name is Vicki White, and I am a native Alaskan but raised in New Mexico. I have attended church my entire life. I taught Sunday school for 3 years when my children were.

Adam Rodriguez
(Member-at-Large)

I have been part of the Rising Sun Christian Community since moving to New Mexico in 2019, officially becoming a member in January 2020. RSCC quickly became more than just a place of worship; it became family. In 2021, I was invited to serve on the Board of Directors, and the following year, Pastor Vangie and Deacon Paula invited me to join the Board of Elders. It has been a profound privilege to steward both the operational business and the spiritual well-being of our church.

Rachel Wills
(Member-at-Large)

I was raised in West Virginia, but after retiring from military/government service I relocated to New Mexico and have called Albuquerque home for the past two years.

Tony Cartelli
(Member-at-Large)

I attended Trinidad College for both theatre and business administration before moving to New Mexico. Have been in food services for 4 decades. After 23 years of