In the days leading to this season of gratitude, Ebenezer Church members counted their blessings by recognizing their pastor Kevin Dellicker, with gifts and thanks.

The Women of the Church led the congregation in thanking the pastor at a lunch after the Oct. 12 service where they presented him with a basket packed with his favorite snacks, along with a birdhouse and birdseed to indulge his favorite pastime.

Dellicker has been serving the church since last spring.

“I received a call from Ebenezer asking if I could fill in for a few Sundays during Lent,” he said. “I told them I could help them through Easter Sunday, [but] I’ve been there ever since.”

It’s no wonder that the church community wanted to show their appreciation in October, pastor recognition month.

A Northwestern alum and the father of three sons who also graduated from the same high school, Dellicker knows the community well.

As a pastor, his responsibilities include spiritual leadership through preaching, teaching, and worship.

“I’ve been able to lead Sunday morning worship services [and] evening Bible studies,” he explained, “[as well as] perform other pastoral duties for the congregation and the community.”

The hometown cleric has a lot to balance.

In addition to running his own cybersecurity company, he serves part time as a colonel in the PA Air National Guard and is devoted to his family.

These roles form his mission.

“I am concerned about the frantic pace of life for young families in our community,” he said. “Being a parent has always been busy, but the sheer number of youth activities and high level of intensity is elevating the stress level for both children and adults.”

“This relentless activity means fewer families eat together, play together, or pray together,” he continued, “and parents who want the best for their children are struggling to make time to teach them about God.”

The wisdom of the Bible provides him with perpetual guidance.

“Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” he recalled referencing Matthew 11:28. “I think there’s a good case to be made that we should all just slow down a little.”