Rev. Dr. Evelyn Vigil
Bridge Pastor
Rev. Dr. Evelyn Vigil, (pronounced “Vee-hill,”) is a name deeply rooted in the Native American pueblos of New Mexico, reflecting her paternal grandfather’s Jicarilla Apache heritage. Evelyn embarked on a career as a journalist, eventually becoming the editor and publisher of a small daily newspaper in her hometown of Los Alamos, now featured in the movie “Oppenheimer.”
Transitioning from journalism, Evelyn pursued theological studies at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. Despite being raised in the Roman Catholic church, she sought ordination in the United Church of Christ. For 18 years, Evelyn served as a chaplain in the Santa Clara jails, leading worship services and Bible studies in the acute psychiatric unit. She also trained volunteers and coordinated religious observances for inmates of diverse faiths and languages, ensuring the inclusion of Passover, Ramadan, Diwali, and other traditions.
Reverend Evelyn concluded her chaplaincy career as a grief counselor for hospice, supporting families through the challenging process of coping with loss. Post-ordination, she has served as pulpit supply for churches in the Bay Area, taken on sabbatical replacement roles, and served as an associate pastor at the Community Church of Sunnyvale-UCC.
During the pandemic lockdown, Reverend Evelyn achieved her Doctor of Ministry degree from the Pacific School of Religion, focusing on the End-of-Life Option in California and producing a video on the subject. In her leisure time, she finds joy in reading, attending theater and opera, and caring for her 17-year-old dog, Miss Mollie, a pound hound facing challenges like deafness and blindness, yet displaying a hearty appetite. Additionally, Evelyn engages in recreational activities such as movie attendance and singing with the Rainbow Women’s Chorus in San Jose.
