Meet Our Staff

The Reverend Tory V. Topjian

Senior Minister

Reverend Tory brings a wealth of experience, dedication and commitment to our community of faith here at First Congregational Church. 

Prior to coming to First Congregational Church, Rev. Tory was ordained into ministry through the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), servings as Staff Pastor as Founders MCC before being called as the Senior Minister at Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church from June 2016 until April 2024, followed by serving as Interim Senior Minister at AChurch4Me MCC in Chicago, IL, through June 2026. During his tenure in both congregations, he played a pivotal role in stabilizing and revitalizing both congregations, fostering deeper connection between the church and the community.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Rev. Tory is a trailblazer exemplifying true Christian love in preach and living acceptance for all God’s creations. He has actively worked to create worship environments where everyone is not only welcome but encouraged to come as they are. In addition to his pastoral work, Rev. Tory has served on various boards and committees supporting social justice and spiritual guidance to many open and affirming organizations.  

Rev. Tory holds a Master of Divinity Degree from Claremont School of Theology, emphasizing in Inter-Religious studies, including various trends in worship within Inter-Faith Communities. 

A native of Bergen County, Rev. Tory was born and raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey as well as residing in Fresno and Los Angeles, California, Dallas, Texas and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time at home, cooking, traveling and sharing time with friends and family.

Evan Cerqueira

Organist and Choir Director

Evan T. Cerqueira is a lifelong musician and wearer of many hats. She studied Drama and Music at Vassar College, then earned her Master's in Vocal Performance from Montclair State University in 2007. She has been a working musician ever since, both in liturgical settings and also teaching voice and piano lessons privately. She is also very active in local community theatre as a performer, director, and music director. Evan has performed in New York, London, and Spoleto, Italy, and her latest adventure is transitioning into classroom teaching as an elementary school music educator. Evan is happily married and lives in Little Falls with her spouse and their latest addition, a four-month-old Chihuahua-Shih Tzu mix named Chaplin. You can follow her adventures on www.evanmakesmusic.com

Julie Luce

Bell Choir Director-The Valley Ringers

Julie Luce has a varied musical background. She has sung in the First Congregational Church since she was in the Junior Choir. She now sings in a local community choir, the Lakeside Choraliers. She plays the flute and studied violin for ten years. She dabbles with the guitar and the piano.

She directed variety shows for Park Ridge High School, where she was a full-time teacher of French and German. Julie played handbells in a junior handbell choir at First Congregational and has been playing with the Valley Ringers for some time now. She is happy to be directing a wonderful group of enthusiastic bell ringers.