Know and Follow Podcast

Zach Perry is a software engineer at Oracle who helps build the massive data centers powering today's AI boom — and he's also the husband of GCC's own Avery Perry. In this episode, we get technical for a bit, unpacking what cloud computing and AI actually are and why data centers need so much power and water, before shifting into something deeper: what it looks like to follow Jesus in a highly secular, results-driven industry. Zach shares his own story of feeling called into tech, and how he tries to represent Christ to coworkers from around the world who may have never heard the gospel. Whether you're raising a future computer scientist or just wondering how faith fits into a life shaped by AI, this conversation offers real, grounded perspective.

• Understand what cloud computing actually is and why companies like Oracle are racing to build massive data centers
• Discover how AI has reshaped the daily work of software engineers, shifting them from writers of code to managers of it
• Hear Zach's honest take on the ethics of AI, including questions about job displacement and human value
• Learn how quietly doing excellent work opens doors to share Christ that words alone never could
• See what it looks like to be a light among coworkers from unreached people groups without ever leaving the U.S.
• Get practical encouragement for parents or students wondering if a kid might be wired for a career in tech
• Walk through Zach's own story of calling, from four high schools in three years to landing at Oracle

• Freecodecamp.org — mentioned as a starting point for students or parents curious about learning to code

Zach Perry is a software and infrastructure engineer at Oracle, where he works on scale manufacturing for the GPU racks that power data centers supporting today's AI industry. He studied computer science at Haverford College and grew up in a Christian home. Zach is married to Avery Perry, GCC's assistant communications director, and the two are currently moving back to Pennsylvania from Seattle.

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.

Title:

Called to the Church: Hunter Grant's Year in Ministry

Episode Summary:

Hunter Grant joined Grace Community Church as our very first pastoral resident — and after ten months learning from every corner of the ministry, he's stepping into his first full-time pastoral role at Bethany EC Church in Creswell. In this conversation, Hunter reflects on what seminary doesn't prepare you for, why he walked away from a future in IT to pursue ministry, and what it really looks like to be called by God into pastoral work. Whether you're exploring ministry yourself or just curious about what pastors actually do all week, this one's worth your time.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What GCC's pastoral residency program actually looks like day to day — and why it exists
• Why Sunday is only about 10% of a pastor's actual role, and what fills the rest of the week
• How Hunter sensed God redirecting him away from a career in IT and toward ministry
• What changed in Hunter when he stopped telling himself he "just wasn't an organized person"
• How the residency connects future pastors with real ministry networks before they step into a role
• Why slowing down and sitting under experienced leaders is often the wisest first step for young ministers
• What Hunter and his wife Emma need prayer for as they enter a new season of life, ministry, and parenthood

Key Quotes:

"The biggest lesson I learned throughout this residency is that I cannot do this alone. Pastoral ministry can only be done through the power of Christ working through me." — Hunter Grant

"I went to orientation and felt completely empty — I could tell the Spirit was not in agreement. I remember weeping that night, and I applied to Huntington University and just told the Lord, 'If this is your will, I'll go.' I got an acceptance letter before I even woke up the next morning." — Hunter Grant

"Sunday is like 10% of the role. Being here full time, you really get to see the calling on the pastor's life and the shepherding that they do." — Hunter Grant

"It's a long-term investment. Almost every other job — you don't just jump right in. You're always sitting under someone for an extended period of time. I don't think ministry should be any different." — Hunter Grant

"Even to the very end, people came up and said, 'We stood up the first time you came on stage to pray for you, and we still pray for you every night.' That's something I think we'll never forget." — Hunter Grant

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

• GCC Pastoral Residency Program — Grace Community Church's hands-on ministry training program, now welcoming three residents in the coming year
• Bethany EC Church of Creswell — Hunter's new church home, where he'll serve as Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults

About the Guest:

Hunter Grant grew up in Ohio in a family catering business, competed at the state level in computer coding, and once expected to build a career in IT. God had other plans. After a clear sense of calling the summer after high school graduation, Hunter enrolled at Huntington University to study youth ministry. His senior year, he connected with Grace Community Church through his now-wife Emma, and was invited to become GCC's inaugural pastoral resident. Over the course of ten months, he rotated through nearly every ministry department at GCC — from pastoral care to communications — and completed the EC denomination's pastoral assessment process. Hunter begins his role as Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults at Bethany EC Church of Creswell on June 1st. He and Emma are also expecting their first daughter.

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.

Title:

Cooking, Creating, and Trusting God with Drew & Bethany Kramer

Episode Summary:

Drew and Bethany Kramer are the husband-and-wife team behind A Simple Palate, a food blog and YouTube channel that has been bringing scratch cooking and genuine community to people across the world for over a decade. In this conversation, they open up about what it really looks like to build something together as a couple, how faith has shaped every major decision in their business, and why stepping out in fear — especially into a camera — turned out to be one of the greatest acts of obedience in their lives. If you've ever felt called to something but couldn't quite bring yourself to start, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How Bethany went from a quiet food blog to a thriving YouTube channel — and why she almost didn't do it
• What the rise of AI-generated search results did to their income, and how God used that crisis to reshape their priorities
• Why Drew left a stable web design career to join the business full time — and the year of prayer that led to that decision
• How "Breakfast with Jesus" keeps them grounded and protects them from making numbers and income into idols
• What working together as a married couple actually looks like day to day — the rhythms, boundaries, and unexpected joys
• Why they chose long-form video over short-form content, and what they believe it offers a distracted world
• Practical encouragement for anyone who feels called to create, share, or start something new — but is still waiting

Key Quotes:

"I just felt compelled in my heart that God was calling me to something more, and I was terrified to step into that. And once I did step out, I realized what a tremendous blessing God had for me on the other side." — Bethany Kramer

"We committed everything to the Lord. We just said, Lord, we trust you. No matter what — I can quit, I can let all this go. And it was an act of complete surrender." — Bethany Kramer

"Every morning we bring our requests to the Lord — our pride, whatever we're dealing with, seeking praise from people. We just bring it and say, Lord, please make my heart right. We call it Breakfast with Jesus." — Bethany Kramer

"You have to do it scared. You have to do it fearful. But you're not alone — you have the Lord. And if God is calling you to that, he will make a way." — Bethany Kramer

"One life will soon be passed, but only what's done for Christ will last. Whatever you do in this life, do it all for the glory of God — because that's all that will last." — Drew Kramer

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

• A Simple Palate — Bethany and Drew's food blog and YouTube channel: asimplepalate.com

About the Guests:

Drew and Bethany Kramer are the couple behind A Simple Palate, a food blog and YouTube channel focused on scratch cooking, simple ingredients, and genuine connection. Bethany started the blog over twelve years ago, shortly after getting married, and has grown it into a community that spans continents. Drew, a self-taught web designer, came alongside her from the beginning before joining full time in November 2024. They attend the 9:15 service at Grace Community Church of Willow Street.

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.

• How Mission Church transformed a former school building into a hub for community outreach.
• The unexpected ways God uses prior professional experience—like retail management—for ministry purposes.
• Why removing barriers to access, such as income verification or zip code restrictions, is central to their mission.
• How a "lean" season for the pantry was resolved through a specific call to prayer and community generosity.
• Practical strategies for families to incorporate food donations into their regular grocery routines.
• The importance of local churches being faithful to their unique calling rather than comparing themselves to others.

• Mission Church Food Pantry: Serving neighbors every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. https://mission-church.com/foodpantry/
• Donate Food: High-priority items include canned goods and non-perishables like pasta, cereal, and rice.
• Volunteer: Opportunities include distribution days, stocking shelves, and packing boxes. Contact [email protected].
• Packing Nights: Ideal for sports teams, businesses, or small groups to serve together.

In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts welcomes back Shelby Nauman, the CEO of Tenfold, to discuss the complex realities of housing insecurity in Lancaster County. Shelby shares the story of the temporary low-barrier shelter and explains why homelessness is a growing challenge that extends far beyond the city limits. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how local organizations are working to move people through homelessness toward long-term stability and how the community can support these efforts.

• How Tenfold provides a broad spectrum of services, from homelessness prevention to first-time homebuyer assistance.
• The critical role of low-barrier shelters in providing life-saving warmth and transition services during the winter months.
• Why homelessness is increasingly affecting older adults over age 65 due to the current housing market and fixed incomes.
• The distinction between "city" and "county" homelessness and why rural housing insecurity is often less visible.
• Creative housing solutions being explored in Lancaster, including home-share programs and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
• How eviction prevention and financial counseling can stabilize families before they lose their homes.

• Tenfold: An organization focusing on housing stability, financial education, and homelessness resources.
• TLC (Transitional Living Center): A shelter program referred to for those committed to taking next steps toward stable housing.
• Coalition for Sustainable Housing: An advocacy group working on zoning changes and increasing housing inventory.
• Chestnut Housing: A nonprofit providing rental housing for households experiencing homelessness.
• Office of Aging Home Share Program: A matching service that pairs older homeowners with individuals in need of affordable housing.

Shelby Nauman serves as the CEO of Tenfold, a Lancaster-based organization dedicated to sparking clinical and systemic change in the housing sector. She is a member of the Grace Community Church congregation and is a leading advocate for sustainable housing and eviction prevention within the Lancaster community.

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 episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Lenea Detore, an occupational therapist and the founder of the Caring Cup. They discuss her mission to launch a nonprofit coffee shop in Lancaster County specifically designed to employ and support adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Listeners will learn how the community can bridge the gap for individuals who lose access to school-based services at age 21 and how to create environments where everyone feels they belong.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Identify the "cliff" many adults with disabilities face when school-based services cease at age 21.
• Understand the distinction between for-profit models and nonprofit employment that prioritizes life skills over efficiency.
• Explore how sensory-friendly environments, such as dimmed lighting and reduced noise, empower employees to succeed.
• Discover the importance of individualized vocational assessments to match tasks with an individual's specific sensory seeking or avoiding needs.
• Recognize the need for "resource hubs" that help families navigate the complex landscape of government aid and community support.
• Learn about the upcoming physical location and "campus" for disability services planned for Leacock Township.

Key Quotes:

"One mother said to me one time, 'the bus stops coming and the child is forgotten.' Meaning that at age 21, the child no longer goes to school or the adult at that point with disabilities can no longer go to school." — Lenea Detore

"I wanted a job that is out in the community interacting with their peers, interacting with other members of the community and trying to find their passion." — Lenea Detore

"I want this to be a place where you feel unjudged completely and welcome to have those behaviors and a staff member who is educated can try to help you." — Lenea Detore

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

• The Caring Cup Website: Purchase locally roasted coffee beans and learn about the board of directors at thecarryingcup.com.
• Spring Fundraiser: Join the team on May 16th at Pequea Valley High School to support the capital campaign.
• Social Media: Follow the journey on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for construction updates.
• Sunrise Coffee: The local roasting partner located in Intercourse, Pennsylvania.

About the Guest:

Lenea Detore is a pediatric occupational therapist who is transitioning her clinical expertise into the world of social entrepreneurship. Motivated by the lack of vocational opportunities for her former patients reaching adulthood, she founded the Caring Cup to provide job training, life skills, and a supportive community space in Lancaster County.

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.

Christian Entrepreneurship with Jordan Britton

In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Jordan Britton, the owner of Britton Coffee Co., to discuss his transition from full-time ministry to business ownership. Jordan shares the authentic and often difficult story of launching a coffee trailer during the pandemic and how that struggling venture eventually grew into a thriving chain of shops. Listeners will gain insight into how financial freedom and business excellence can be powerful tools for ministry and community impact.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How to navigate the transition between vocational ministry and the secular workforce.
• The importance of "spirit-led stubbornness" when facing business challenges and initial financial loss.
• How to view the employer-employee relationship as a primary mission field for grace and compassion.
• The practical benefits of pursuing debt-free living and financial freedom to increase personal generosity.
• How to remain adaptable and trust in God’s providence when seasons of life change abruptly.
• Strategies for managing "lifestyle creep" and maintaining a heart focused on kingdom service.

Key Quotes:

"I just loved that idea that you could go and find the person who ultimately has the power to make something right if you ever had an issue. And so that's why we did it. I wanted people to know like we were proud to stand behind it." — Jordan Britton

"I think often times we really put ourselves and by extension God into a box... I think more often than not, it's just like God has wonderfully and beautifully made me. I am talented and gifted—all of that is not a prideful thing if I don't remove God from the equation." — Jordan Britton

"The real ministry that happens here, by and large, is with our employees... What we want is compassion and grace and kindness and to be there for others as much as we want someone to be there for us." — Jordan Britton

"The only reason at this point now to continue to start [new shops] is the idea that I can be absurdly generous, both with money but also with my time." — Jordan Britton

Resources Mentioned:

• Britton Coffee Co.: Visit their locations in York and Adams County.
• Social Media: Follow @BrittonCoffeeCo on Facebook and Instagram.
• Things I Want My Kids to Know That I Sometimes Forget: A book by Jordan Britton, available on Amazon.

About the Guest:

Jordan Britton is the owner of Britton Coffee Co., a growing chain of coffee shops in York and Adams County. Beginning with a renovated horse trailer four years ago, Jordan and his family have expanded the business to include multiple brick-and-mortar locations, an in-house bakery, a coffee roasting operation, and a donut kitchen. Jordan is passionate about community revitalization, doing his own renovations on dilapidated buildings, and using his business to practice radical generosity.

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 episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Kendall Keeler from Serve Now to explore how God is working around the world through local churches and indigenous Christian leaders. Kendall shares his journey into global missions, how Serve Now partners with believers in over 30 countries, and why discipleship in a heart language is essential for gospel growth. This conversation offers a compelling vision for missions that is relational, empowering, and deeply rooted in partnership.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What makes Serve Now’s global missions approach different from traditional models
• Why empowering local Christians leads to sustainable gospel impact
• The hidden challenge of discipleship materials not existing in heart languages
• How translation work helps pastors grow without Westernizing their faith
• The story behind Serve Now’s partnership with churches like Grace Community Church
• How water projects, microenterprise, and education flow out of discipleship
• Why generosity and perspective grow when we partner with the global church

Key Quotes:

“We don’t send American missionaries. We empower the Christians who already live within these countries.” — Kendall Keeler

“Most of the pastors we partner with don’t have access to biblical training or Christian resources like we do.” — Kendall Keeler

“If you imagine trying to follow Jesus without access to discipleship materials, it changes how you view the global church.” — Pastor Addison Roberts

“Don’t underestimate what God can do with the bread and fish that you place in His hands.” — Kendall Keeler

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

• Serve Now: Serve Now partners with local Christian leaders in over 30 countries to provide discipleship resources, training, and community development through churches already embedded in their cultures.
• Discipleship Translation Initiative: Serve Now has translated discipleship materials into more than 70 languages and continues expanding access so pastors and believers can grow in their heart language.
• Serve Now App: A free app providing access to translated discipleship materials for individuals and churches around the world.
• Grace Community Church Partnership: Ongoing collaboration including water projects, translation efforts, and global missions engagement.

About the Guest:

Kendall Keeler joined Serve Now in 2020 after years of leadership experience in both for-profit and non-profit organizations, including Black Rock Retreat, Herr’s, Mt. Vernon Church, and Water Street Mission. A graduate of Lancaster Bible College, Kendall also performed as a Sight & Sound actor and has a passion for helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential through problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and communication.

Kendall is the author of Your Last 24 and leads with the philosophy Create · Connect · Inspire. He believes generosity helps us become more like God and has been married to his wife for over 25 years. Together, they have three daughters.

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.

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.