Pastor Gary began his ministry with us on November 4th, 2013.  Although young, he has had many experiences in the church and also hospital setting as student pastor, chaplain intern, and senior pastor of a church in upstate New York.  He has joined the church choir, eats lunch with the Quilters, and enjoys the challenges that parish ministry can bring.

Pastor Gary came to us with his wife Brea, son Connor, daughter Amelia, and dog Brutus.  He grew up in Tamaqua, PA and attended Pennsylvania State University (Hazleton Campus) where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.  Pastor Gary then studied at Lancaster Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree in 2011.  

In his spare time, Pastor Gary enjoys spending time with his family and friends, enjoys cheering on the Phillies, and has recently "retired" from being a volunteer firefighter for over fifteen years (most recently with Greenfields Fire Co. Bern Township).  

Brian Gibson has been Epler's Director of Music since 2011.  Prior to arriving here he served the same position at Zion's UCC in Downtown Reading.  He has served a variety of congregations in many denominations for over 50 years.  Brian is also a world-renowned operatic Bass-Baritone, having appeared on the world's great stages including the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. 

Our new Church Secretary, Korinne Hotzman, just started at Epler's at the beginning of 2025. She also serves as Parish Secretary at Bern Lutheran Church, Leesport, and has been there since August 2021. She also serves as Administrative Assistant at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Fleetwood, for the past 14 years. For relaxation, she enjoys spending time with her family; husband Steve, daughter Katelyn, daughter Riley, and son-in-law Tommy.  She has two cats, Crikit and Tillie, and three great-grandkitties. She enjoys going camping, hiking, biking, and just spending time together. She loves meeting new people. If you are in the area, please stop in and say hello. Korinne hopes to get to know everyone here at Epler's. 

Bookkeeper

Sara Atchina keeps track of all of the financials of the church.