Join us for this quick chat with Pastor Bill Young, our Associate Worship Pastor. We talked about what goes into a Christmas Eve service. I hope this gets you excited for services this week!

We will be back to more regular podcast episodes next year!

Living as a Christian means more than believing the right things—it means living differently than the world around us. The Apostle Paul instructed Titus to teach sound doctrine not just with words but through transformed lives. Paul gave specific instructions for different groups: older men should be temperate and worthy of respect, older women should be reverent and teach what is good, younger women should love their families and be self-controlled, and young men should focus on self-control. These high standards matter because if we live differently than the world, we'll make a difference in the world, shining like stars against the darkness of sin.

Episode Summary:

In Episode 21 of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Wes Kauffman, a local entrepreneur and co-owner of several businesses including FASTSIGNS, Rolling Suds, and a global talent staffing firm. Wes shares his story of faith, hard work, and calling—from repairing cameras at Perfect Image to leading a growing team of over 300 employees. Together, they talk about vocation, stewardship, and the sacred value of work—how Christians can live out their faith in the marketplace with integrity, purpose, and creativity.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Wes’s journey from photography repair to franchising shaped his entrepreneurial calling
• The difference between owning a business and leading with a servant’s heart
• Why “discontentment” can sometimes signal a God-given drive to create and serve
• What it means to see the marketplace as part of God’s kingdom work
• Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs—from teens to career professionals
• How faith and business leadership can work hand in hand through culture and care for people
• Why Christians should be innovators and creators who build for the good of others

Key Quotes:

“Entrepreneurship is not for everybody—it’s hard work. But for those called to it, it’s a way to serve God and others through creativity and perseverance.” — Wes Kauffman

“We’re not just supposed to sit around. God gave us time and talents. So why not spend them for the good of the world around us?” — Pastor Addison Roberts

“Culture is who we are. We want to be nice guys who love people, work hard, and grow something big together.” — Wes Kauffman

“Your place in the marketplace is just as important as leading in a church—because you’re building relationships and showing the gospel through how you live.” — Wes Kauffman

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

• FASTSIGNS: Professional signage, graphics, and visual communication solutions—helping businesses communicate clearly and creatively.
• Rolling Suds: A professional pressure washing franchise providing residential and commercial exterior cleaning.
• Perfect Image: A Lancaster-based camera repair and photography business where Wes began his entrepreneurial journey.
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street: Learn more about our ministries and weekend services at gccws.net.

About the Know and Follow Podcast:

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6 PM, Sundays at 8 AM, 9:15 AM, and 11 AM. Learn more at gccws.net.

In this heartfelt episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with his wife, Alyssa Roberts, a licensed professional counselor, to talk about the joys and challenges of parenting a child with autism. Drawing from their own family’s journey with their daughter Ella, they open up about the emotional process surrounding diagnosis, the lifelong role of caregiving, and the spiritual perspective that sustains them along the way. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or friend of a family affected by disability, this conversation offers empathy, understanding, and hope.

• What parents often experience during the pre-diagnosis and diagnosis stages of autism
• How feelings of grief and relief can coexist when receiving a diagnosis
• Why shame and stigma can affect parents of children with disabilities—and how to overcome them
• How puberty, social development, and jobs present unique challenges for children on the spectrum
• Ways churches and communities can better support families affected by disability
• The importance of viewing disability through a gospel-centered lens of dignity and eternal hope
• Practical encouragement for parents to find community and remember that they’re not alone

• Parenting Autism: Parenting Autism is an educational discussion group for parents and/or caregivers raising children on the spectrum, providing education, advocacy, and support. Join other families who are sharing the same experiences and challenges that you face every day. This group meets Wednesday evenings from 8:00–9:00 p.m.
• CHOP Autism Research: Learn more about ongoing research and family participation opportunities at chop.edu.
• Philadelphia Eagles Autism Challenge: Supporting autism awareness and inclusion through community events — eaglesautismfoundation.org.
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street: Find support groups, counseling resources, and community events at gccws.net.

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6 PM, Sundays at 8 AM, 9:15 AM, and 11 AM. Learn more at gccws.net.

Episode Summary

In Part 2, Pastor Addison continues the conversation with Brad and Kate Aldridge—marriage and family therapists and hosts of Still Becoming One—moving from purity-culture impacts to practical parenting. How do we start age-appropriate conversations about bodies, desire, and boundaries? What do we do when kids bring tough news home? The Aldridges offer warm, gospel-centered guidance for building an ongoing dialogue that forms character, protects kids, and keeps your relationship strong.

Content note: This episode discusses sexuality, identity, social media, and online safety. Parents may want to preview for younger listeners.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• Start sooner than you think: Begin body and safety conversations in early childhood (ages 4–5) and introduce basic sex education by ~age 8, in age-appropriate ways.
• Use better language: Replace “good touch/bad touch” with clear contextual rules about “areas that are just for you,” and who may help (parents/doctors with a parent present).
• Secrets vs. surprises: Teach kids that the family doesn’t keep secrets; surprises are time-limited and celebratory—this helps prevent grooming.
• Normalize questions: Create an open-door policy—kids can ask about any term they hear and get a calm, truthful answer from you (not the internet).
• Body changes & identity: Expect discomfort during puberty; talk about identity without fear, affirming personality and interests without redefining gender biblically.
• Attraction vs. lust: Help teens understand the difference; attraction is normal, while lust “consumes” and dehumanizes.
• When hard news lands: Lead with love and calm. If a teen is sexually active (or there’s a pregnancy scare), communicate values, discuss consequences, and keep connection.
• Online safety & sextortion: Tell kids you’re a safe first call—no mistake will cost them your love. Discuss posting, DMs, and what to do if pressured for images.
• Model marriage health: Your capacity to talk about desire, limits, and intimacy shapes your kids’ expectations more than any single “talk.”

Key Quotes

• “There isn’t one talk—there are a hundred little talks.” — Brad & Kate Aldridge
• “Attraction is normal; lust wants to consume a person.” — Brad Aldridge
• “Lead with kindness and gentleness—your emotions are yours to manage, not your teen’s.” — Kate Aldridge
• “You get one chance to model a healthy marriage for your kids. That modeling matters.” — Pastor Addison Roberts

Parent Playbook: Practical Steps

• Make it safe to ask anything: Promise honest answers and no shame.
• Teach “secrets vs. surprises” early: Report any “secret” an adult requests.
• Clarify body boundaries: Who can help with private areas, and when.
• Discuss attraction/desire: Desire is God-given; talk about self-control and respect.
• Have dating guidelines: Consider allowing dating while kids are still at home so you can coach and debrief.
• Address social media: Ask curious questions about posts (“What was your goal with this photo?”) and talk through risks.
• Prepare for crises: If sextortion or a pregnancy scare happens, respond first with love, then problem-solve together.
• Do your own work: If sexuality conversations feel uncomfortable, seek growth so you can lead with clarity and grace.

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• Brad & Kate Aldridge — Marriage & family therapists; hosts of Still Becoming One.
• Marriage Conference at Grace Community Church — Join Brad & Kate for a focused evening on emotional, spiritual, sexual, and story intimacy.
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street — Plan a visit or learn more: gccws.net

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.

Purity Culture and Marriage with Brad & Kate Aldridge (Part 1)

Register for our marriage conference at https://gccws.net/marriage

Episode Summary

In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Brad and Kate Aldridge, licensed marriage and family therapists and hosts of the Still Becoming One podcast. Brad and Kate share their perspective on how messages from purity culture continue to shape Christian marriages today. This candid conversation explores the unintended consequences of youth group illustrations, unspoken fears, and unrealistic expectations carried into marriage. Listeners will gain encouragement, clarity, and practical tools to move toward healthier intimacy rooted in God’s design.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• What purity culture is and how it developed in response to the sexual revolution.
• Why fear-based teaching created shame around desire and intimacy.
• How illustrations like “the rose” or “the band-aid” still impact Christian marriages.
• Why many couples struggle to express healthy sexual desire and expectations.
• How purity culture’s gender messaging placed uneven burdens on women and men.
• Why acknowledging and affirming desire is essential for a thriving marriage.
• How Scripture and the language of “fasting” can provide a healthier framework.

Key Quotes

• “The heart of purity culture was good, but it often led to fear-based teaching.” — Brad Aldridge
• “Desire itself isn’t bad—God actually designed you that way.” — Kate Aldridge
• “We told teens: turn desire off until marriage, then magically turn it back on. That doesn’t work.” — Brad Aldridge
• “Purity culture put a lot of pressure on women to carry responsibility for men’s behavior.” — Kate Aldridge
• “Faithfulness is not about delivering a perfect product to your spouse, but practicing self-control and love in advance.” — Pastor Addison Roberts

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• Brad & Kate Aldridge — Licensed marriage and family therapists, hosts of Still Becoming One podcast. - https://stillbecomingone.com/
• Marriage Conference at Grace Community Church — January 17 event featuring Brad & Kate on intimacy in marriage.
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street — Learn more or plan a visit: gccws.net

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.

Episode Summary

In this follow-up conversation, Pastor Addison Roberts continues with Pastor Kevin Lance, Youth Pastor at Grace Community Church, to explore how families can navigate the world of social media and online platforms. From Facebook and Instagram to TikTok, Discord, Reddit, and even video games, Pastor Kevin shares both the risks and opportunities these platforms present. This second part equips parents to set boundaries, ask good questions, and engage their kids with wisdom and faith in today’s digital landscape.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• What parents need to know about popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.
• Why cultivating algorithms matters and how content can spiral quickly.
• How apps like Discord and Reddit open both positive and dangerous conversations.
• Why video games should be treated like movies—with attention to storylines, worldviews, and content.
• How to use tools like Common Sense Media and CPYU to evaluate apps, games, and media.
• Ways to keep open communication with kids while protecting them from harmful influences.
• How biblical stewardship and family convictions shape wise technology use.

Key Quotes

• “Most social media apps don’t have your kid’s best interests in mind.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “Treat video games the same way you would movies—know the content and set boundaries.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “If your kid is on a platform, you should be on it too, so you understand it.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “Open communication with your kids is the best safeguard against digital dangers.” — Pastor Kevin Lance

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• OurPact — Parental control and monitoring app.
• Life360 — Family location and safety app.
• Common Sense Media — Reviews and age-based ratings for movies, games, and apps: commonsensemedia.org
• CPYU (Center for Parent/Youth Understanding) — Cultural insights and resources for parents: cpyu.org
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street — Plan a visit or learn more: gccws.net

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Pastor Kevin Lance, Youth Pastor at Grace Community Church, to talk about developing a tech plan for your family. With four kids from elementary through high school, Pastor Kevin shares practical wisdom about introducing phones, setting boundaries, and keeping conversations open. This first part focuses on navigating smartphones and building intentional family practices that guide kids toward healthy technology use. Parents will come away with encouragement and concrete ideas to help their families thrive in a tech-saturated world.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• Why creating a family tech plan matters today.
• How to decide when—and how—to give your child a phone.
• The role of conversation, conviction, and clear expectations.
• Why stewardship—not ownership—is a biblical approach to tech.
• How to handle boredom without defaulting to screens.
• Practical boundaries: screen time, app limits, and device-free spaces.
• How open communication prepares kids to handle online risks.

Key Quotes

• “Being intentional as a parent is harder, but it’s worth it.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “Your phone is not your own—it’s a gift and a responsibility.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “Conversation, conviction, and resolve are the foundation of healthy tech use.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “There’s nothing our kids can do that will make us love them less—but we still set boundaries to protect them.” — Pastor Kevin Lance

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• OurPact — Parental control and screen-time management app.
• Life360 — Family location sharing and safety app.
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street — Plan a visit or get connected: gccws.net

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6 pm, Sundays at 8 am, 9:15 am, and 11 am. Learn more at gccws.net.

This episode contains sensitive themes, including abuse, miscarriage, and addiction. Listener discretion is advised, especially for families with young children listening together.

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Evelma Plastino to hear her remarkable testimony of God’s transforming grace. Evelma shares her journey from a childhood marked by abuse, alcoholism, and broken relationships to finding salvation at the age of 48. Her story is one of hope, healing, and the power of Jesus to change even the most difficult circumstances. Listeners will be encouraged to keep praying, keep trusting, and never give up on those who seem far from God.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• How Evelma’s early years of abuse and addiction shaped her struggles and decisions.
• The turning point when she cried out to God at 48 and encountered the Holy Spirit.
• Why mentors, community, and discipleship were vital to her new life in Christ.
• How she persevered through reading challenges to learn and love Scripture.
• What serving in prison ministry has taught her about hope and redemption.
• Encouragement for families praying for prodigal loved ones to return to Jesus.
• Practical ways to trust God’s timing and surrender loved ones to His care.

Key Quotes

• “It took 48 years before I became a believer.” – Evelma Plastino
• “I was sitting on my couch crying out, ‘If there’s somebody real…’—and the Holy Spirit moved all around me.” – Evelma Plastino
• “Everybody needs a mentor… even when we think we’re strong, we still need that other person.” – Evelma Plastino
• “Keep praying. Keep trusting. Pray, trust, repeat.” – Evelma Plastino
• “God said, ‘Give me the children and let them be… I will get these children.’” – Evelma Plastino

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• Grace Community Church of Willow Street — Plan a visit or get connected: gccws.net
• Jesus Calling — A short daily devotional Evelma uses to encourage prayer and trust in Christ.
• Prison Ministry Opportunities — Explore outreach and volunteer pathways through local ministries and GCC connections.

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.

In this inspiring episode, Pastor Addison Roberts welcomes Josh March—owner of Empower Training Systems and leader of Empowered Fitness Ministry (EFM). They dive into the heart behind EFM, a free Saturday workout and devotional gathering open to the entire community. Josh shares how faith and fitness intersect, dispelling common myths and encouraging listeners to take small, meaningful steps toward better health. Whether you're just starting out or looking for new motivation, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical encouragement.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Empowered Fitness Ministry integrates faith and fitness every Saturday
• Why small, consistent habits matter more than major overhauls
• How fitness can be fun, approachable, and customized for all levels and ages
• The power of community and accountability in sustaining health goals
• Common misconceptions about starting a fitness routine—and how to overcome them
• Why proximity matters when choosing a gym or workout location
• How a deeper "why" can transform your motivation for health and fitness

Key Quotes

• “Fitness isn’t about athletics or aesthetics—it’s about being functional for life.” – Josh March
• “We believe fitness is a celebration of our bodies and caring for our temples.” – Josh March
• “Even the people who are super committed—if they try to make a huge, sweeping change, it doesn't last.” – Josh March
• “Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.” – Josh March
• “You don’t have to overhaul your life. Just start with something as small as a walk or a daily vitamin.” – Josh March

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

Empowered Fitness Ministry (EFM):

• Free community workout every Saturday at 9:00 AM
• Hosted at Empower Training Systems in Willow Street
• Includes a 15–20 minute devotional and time for prayer
• Open to all ages and fitness levels—modifications and coaching provided
• Next session is Saturday, July 19 at 9:00 AM—come join us!

Contact / Connect:

• Learn more about Empower Training Systems by visiting in person or connecting through Grace Community Church
• Talk to Josh or one of the coaches before or after a Saturday session
• No sign-up required—just show up and sign a waiver

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.