Delaware

Deaf pastor leads effort to serve and bring people together in Kenton and Hartly

Published

1 month ago

October 10, 2025

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Deaf pastor leads effort to serve and bring people together in Kenton and Hartly

Pastor Rick Kelly at Kenton and Hartly United Methodist churches was born almost completely deaf.
He’s leading efforts to serve those in need in the rural Kent County towns and inviting people to join in service projects and community events.
Programs include “Trunk or Treat” for children in October, the Veterans “Cruz In” car show and veterans information program in November, along with food giveaways for people in need.

Rick Kelly said he might not know the pain or loneliness you’re experiencing, but he’s willing to listen and help because he knows about facing challenges, hardships and feelings of being overlooked and left out.

The pastor at the United Methodist churches in Kenton and Hartly was born almost completely deaf, describing himself as a deaf person with residual hearing, like trying to hear a radio station you can’t tune in clearly.

Now, he’s helping to lead an effort to bring people together in the rural Kent County communities.

During his childhood, he sometimes attended schools for the deaf and he learned sign language.

“I learned to talk fairly well, but that made some people ask if I was really deaf,” Kelly said.

He communicated with some lip reading, closely observing how people reacted and a lot of smiling and nodding, even if he didn’t hear everything that was said.

He just released a book, “Call Me Rick: Grace in the Middle,” about growing up as a deaf person and his struggles and achievements in becoming a teacher, coach and pastor. He also details the hardships and happiness he and his wife have gone through raising a family.

He said his experiences help him relate with people who have been belittled, ignored, patronized and treated unfairly; people with an addiction or in prison and people society labels as different or strange.

In his book, Kelly writes, “Standing with someone in their pain does not mean you agree with every choice they’ve made. It means you refuse to abandon them in the middle of their story. It means you recognize that the image of God in them is not erased by their struggle. It means you choose to believe that grace is stronger than your fear of being misunderstood.”

As part of the effort to help residents get acquainted and to serve and support each other, the Kenton and Hartly churches are teaming up on programs and events.

Kelly said the idea is to “bring people from all walks of life together,” providing “lifelines for people who might otherwise feel forgotten.”

Sunday worship services are at 9 a.m. in Kenton and at 11 a.m. in Hartly, but Kelly said the congregations also want to “meet people where they are.”

The churches host monthly “outreach” events for the community such as an Easter parade and egg hunt, vacation Bible school and a Bluegrass music program.

The next outreach programs are:

“Trunk or Treat” on Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., when church volunteers offer kids the chance to trick-or-treat from car to car in the parking lot at Kenton United Methodist Church, 74 W. Commerce St. (Route 42), west of Route 300.
Veterans “Cruz In” on Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon, where people are invited to show off their vehicles at a car show while veterans can receive help and information on services that are available, also at the Kenton church parking lot.

Opportunities to help and to get help at community service programs

Serving others is one way to feel more involved in the community, Kelly said.

The congregations invite people to events that help children’s hospitals and animal rescue organizations. They’ve delivered protein bars to paramedic and ambulance stations so the workers have something quick to eat during an emergency. They’ve collected backpacks and school supplies for students in need.

At the Kenton church, one of the leaders of the outreach efforts is Kathy Steele.

“Our goal is hopefully that by reaching out to the community, people will want to come to our church and join what we’re doing,” Steele said. “But the main thing is doing our part to help the community and give back.”

She said Pastor Kelly has rallied the congregations in Kenton and Hartly to be more involved in the community.

“He’s really emphasized the outreach programs,” Steele said. “He has a passion for the church and has such beautiful prayers. The text prayer chain is a good example. He always has a wonderful prayer and asks if there’s anything the church can do for you.”

Former Kenton Mayor Jessica Penawell has attended the Kenton United Methodist Church off and on for about five years, but she officially joined as a member this year.

“I remember my first day, I was greeted by everyone and everyone was so welcoming,” Penawell said.

She recognizes the importance of the outreach programs that Pastor Kelly is promoting.

“We’re hoping they bring the community together,” Penawell said. “I think it’s great that the church is doing more things with the town.”

Among the highlights this year were the Easter parade and egg hunt attended by about 400 people and the “Butterpot Awakening” revival Aug. 11-15 attended by about 40 people each night at the Kenton Town Hall in the former Kenton School building.

Food pantries at Kenton and Hartly United Methodist churches

Probably the best examples of programs offering continual support are the food pantries at the Kenton and Hartly churches, offering groceries – and prayer if requested – to people in need.

At Hartly United Methodist Church, the program serves about 20 families each month, usually more during the holidays, said food pantry co-chair Joy Ford.

During the pandemic, the program moved outdoors with drive-up service that worked so well, the congregation decided to continue it.

Along with donations from church members, the program receives food from a variety of businesses and community organizations.

While people of all ages stop by for food, Ford said many are older residents.

“We have grandparents raising grandchildren,” Ford said. “There’s a burden on these folks. Sometimes they’re in poor health. They’re very grateful, very appreciative of our food pantry.”

She’s helped with the food pantry since 2009 and has served as co-chair since 2016.

“We are supposed to be Jesus’ hands and feet,” Ford said. “I want to help others, and this is my opportunity to do that. I always had a desire to do missions in another country, but we’ve got folks who need us right here.”

Along with monthly food assistance, the Hartly food pantry also “adopts” families with children at Christmas, providing clothes and toys along with a gift for the parents.

For information about the food pantries or other church programs, email PastorRickKelly22@gmail.com or see the website www.KentonUMC.org or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/hartlyumc.

Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.

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Delaware

What The Stats Say About Wake Forest vs. Delaware

Published

15 hours ago

November 20, 2025

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What The Stats Say About Wake Forest vs. Delaware

Oct 4, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive lineman Dallas Afalava (52) and defensive back Nick Andersen (45) celebrate a fumble recovery during the first quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images / Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

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Delaware

Opioid Crisis Action Network head accused of coercing sexual favors from clients

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1 day ago

November 19, 2025

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Opioid Crisis Action Network head accused of coercing sexual favors from clients

From Delco to Chesco and Montco to Bucks, what about life in Philly’s suburbs do you want WHYY News to cover? Let us know!

The head of a Delaware County advocacy group has been charged with using opioid settlement funds to coerce sexual favors from women experiencing addiction.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer charged Lawrence Arata, executive director of the Opioid Crisis Action Network, with human trafficking, patronizing prostitutes, obstruction of justice and witness intimidation.

“Our investigation concluded that Larry Arata cynically and cruelly misused those funds as leverage to satisfy his sexual desires,” Stollsteimer said in a statement.

Arata turned himself in on Wednesday to the district attorney’s Criminal Investigation Division and later posted bail. No attorney was listed for Arata in online court records and he did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Opioid Crisis Action Network did not respond to a request for comment.

Lawrence Arata, 65, founded the Upper Darby-based organization in 2018 with his wife, Heather Arata, shortly after their son died from a heroin overdose. The Opioid Crisis Action Network pays for treatment and housing for people with substance use disorder.

The organization was a recipient of opioid settlement money from Delaware County as well as the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust, Stollsteimer said. The Criminal Investigation Division, in collaboration with the Upper Darby Police Department, initiated a joint investigation into Arata after receiving complaints.

“The allegations revolve around Arata receiving sexual favors from clients who are in recovery for drug addictions in exchange for program benefits such as meal credits, gift cards, bus passes, money, rental assistance, and the like,” the affidavit of probable cause reads.

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Delaware

State Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Clayton – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Published

2 days ago

November 18, 2025

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State Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Clayton – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Date Posted: Tuesday, November 18th, 2025

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred this morning in Clayton.

On November 18, 2025, at approximately 10:20 a.m., a Chevrolet Silverado was traveling southbound on Wheatley’s Pond Road near Bryn Zion Road. At the same time, a pedestrian was walking southbound on Wheatley’s Pond Road near Bryn Zion Road, in the southbound shoulder, with his bicycle. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Silverado exited the southbound lane of travel and as a result, struck the pedestrian within the shoulder.

The pedestrian, a 19-year-old man from Clayton, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Silverado, a 64-year-old man from Smyrna, Delaware, was not injured.

Wheatley’s Pond Road was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Master Corporal W. Booth at (302) 698-8451. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.