VOORHEESVILLE — Robert DeFelice is getting to know the Voorheesville area, as well as his congregation at the First United Methodist Church, which he describes as “a nice blend of people” who are very caring.
After Pastor “Charlie” Yang left the church in June to serve in McKownville, DeFelice stepped in to lead the congregation.

DeFelice had been serving in Schenectady at the Faith United Methodist Church there before being appointed to Voorheesville by his bishop.

DeFelice grew up in Colonie, and, before becoming a pastor, worked at a law book publishing company in Albany, and later at an outdoor equipment manufacturing company in Troy.

His move to ministry came after the Troy company closed in 2001.

Asked about his decision to go into ministry, DeFelice said, with a chuckle, “I didn’t choose that, God had that planned out for me.”

In 2003, he was appointed to two churches in Columbia County, where he served for over seven years before moving to Schenectady, and now, Voorheesville.

DeFelice has been in Voorheesville for only three weeks, and said of his time here so far, “It’s been good… Everything is still new.”

While some work is being done on the parsonage, he is still living in Schenectady; the commute is providing him with an opportunity to become more familiar with Voorheesville.

“One of the things that’s nice about driving to the church,” he said,” is I get to take different routes every day.”

His favorite thing about being a pastor is “being in touch with the people… helping where I can help, and staying out of the way when I should stay out of the way,” he said.

He concluded, “I have a positive feeling about being here.”