Rev. Daniel Gepford is new pastor at Sussex UMC

SUSSEX — As part of its annual Rally Day kickoff of fall activities and a new Sunday School year, the Sussex United Methodist Church welcomed its new pastor, the Rev. Daniel W. Gepford, in a special liturgy during Sunday worship service. Gepford was appointed by Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar to serve the Sussex Church, and is a replacement for Jane Verstoep Koss, who retired in in July. A native of Kansas City, Mo., Gepford was an attorney and senior attorney for AT&T for over 28 years, before leaving his legal career to enter the Drew Theological School. He graduated with a master of divinity degree, summa cum laude, in 2007, and served as pastor of the Andover United Methodist Church, and as associate pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Toms River, before his appointment to Sussex. “It is an exciting time to be in Sussex, and to be able to participate in the continuing growth and mission of such a dynamic and vibrant church family,” said Gepford. “Pastor Jane has left behind a wonderful legacy, and this congregation is poised for a great new era of service to the community.”