Our Staff
Reverend Julie Eklund, Pastor
Rev. Julie Eklund started as First Congregational's pastor on November 19, 2024. She holds a B.A. in English from Aurora University in Aurora, IL and a MDiv from Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. She was ordained at Spring Creek United Church of Christ in Rockford, Illinois in 2017, and began serving her first congregation Redeemer United Church of Christ in Sussex, Wisconsin. Pastor Julie is affectionately known as the "Purple Pastor" for her distinctive hair and love of purple. She is married to her partner, Dustin, and they have two sons Austin and Aydin. As a family they love football, music and movies. Please stop by Pastor Julie's Community Office Hours every Friday from 11-1 at Elsewhere Market and Coffee House, 531 N. Main St.
Jean Bord-Pire is the Building Manager/ Custodian at First Congregational Church. He started at FCC in October of 2015 as the custodian. and In October of 2021 he beame the Building Manager. Jean has been a member of FCC since 2016. He met Doug Bord-Pire in 2005 and they married in 2015. Doug has a daughter Susie Robinson married to Josh and they have a son Alex, Jean and Doug's one and only grandson. Doug's mom Jennie lives above them in their house in Oshkosh along with their little four legged girl Daisy!
Heidi Bryan has been the Office Administrator for FCC since early November 2023. She moved to Wisconsin in 2011 after living outside of Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. She met her husband Bill, who was from Menasha, while working at GSK as research chemists. Heidi then founded and was director of a successful nonprofit organization for over ten years before moving to Wisconsin. She and Bill live in Neenah with their black Newfoundland, Antsin. Heidi joined FCC in August, 2024.
Liz Kaprelian is the Interim Director of Children's and Youth Ministry. She has been a member of FCC for nearly 40 years. Her husband, Jim, is a lifelong member, and their three children were baptized and confirmed here.
Liz grew up in Neenah, went to college in Appleton and Oshkosh, and became an elementary teacher. Most of her 30+ year career was here in Oshkosh.
In addition to their 3 children, Liz and Jim have a son- and daughter-in-law, and four amazing grandchildren! They live just north of Oshkosh with their dog, Morgan, and cat, Mouse.
Bridget Duffy-Ulrich is the half-time organist and Chancel Choir director at First Congregational Church. She primarily serves as the Director of Choirs of Oshkosh North High School where she teaches curricular choirs, musical theatre, music technology, a cappella clubs, the Madrigal Singers, and directs the annual musical. She serves as Co-Music Department Chair for the Oshkosh Area School District. Duffy-Ulrich has her master's degree in music education from the University of Michigan and Bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Duffy-Ulrich and her family are proud members of FCC of Oshkosh.
Joanne Peterson, organist/choir director, is a graduate of Dana College, Blair NE, and holds a MST degree from UW-Oshkosh. She taught organ and other courses for 25 years at UWO and also maintained a private piano and organ studio. She continues to teach organ. In 1968 her employment as organist began; in 1985 she was given the additional responsibility of directing the Chancel Choir.