Episode Summary:
In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Maryanne O’Neil, a foster and kinship care parent from Grace Community Church, in honor of Foster Care Awareness Month. Maryanne shares how her family stepped into foster care unexpectedly but wholeheartedly, welcoming baby Chloe into their home. From the challenges of trauma-informed care to the deep joys of adoption, this conversation explores how Christians can embody the gospel by supporting vulnerable children—and those who care for them.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What kinship care is and how it fits into the foster care system

• How Maryanne’s family was called—unexpectedly—into foster care

• Why community support can make or break a foster parent’s experience

• Tangible ways you can support foster families, even if you can’t foster

• The emotional realities of saying goodbye to a foster child

• How foster care reflects the gospel's call to love the least of these

• Why being trauma-informed is essential for supporting children in care

Key Quotes:

“Foster care is not for everyone—but everyone can do something.” — Maryanne O’Neil
“She came to us on a rainy day with no hat, no socks, and a half can of formula. But God knew she was meant for us.” — Maryanne O’Neil
“If foster families don’t have support, they may only step forward once.” — Maryanne O’Neil
“There has never been an accidental adoption—every adoption is a choice, just like God chose us.” — Pastor Addison Roberts
“The impact you make on a child today can shape the rest of their life, even if you don’t see it right away.” — Maryanne O’Neil

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:
Organizations & Services:

• COBYS Family Services – Local foster care and family support

• Bethany Christian Services – National foster/adoption ministry

• Foster Care Closet – Lancaster-area chapter launching soon

Practical Support Opportunities:

• Donate baby gear, cribs, or clothing

• Provide meals during transitions or illness

• Offer babysitting or a few hours of relief care

• Invite foster children into your holiday or family traditions

• Join or start a foster family support group at your church

• Receive trauma-informed care training to better serve families

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 Josh Marcroft, Young Adult Pastor at Grace Community Church, for a deep and relatable conversation about the spiritual habits that form our everyday lives. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by their teaching from GCC’s Staff Spiritual Renewal Day, they explore the powerful influence of both intentional and unintentional practices. Whether it’s the pull of social media or the quiet call to abide in Christ, this episode helps listeners examine what's really discipling them—and how to make space for better rhythms. If you’ve ever felt spiritually scattered or digitally drained, this conversation is for you.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How everyday thoughts and habits disciple us—whether we notice it or not

• What Philippians 4:8 teaches about the power of thinking well

• How modern digital platforms shape emotions, decisions, and desires

• Practical ways to abide in Christ through ancient and modern spiritual practices

• Why reading and praying the Psalms is a timeless way to connect with God

• How to use liturgical tools like Every Moment Holy and the Examen prayer for reflection

• The surprising connection between silence, identity, and the intrinsic value of people

Key Quotes:

“Jesus didn’t just give his disciples ideas about life. He gave them ways of life.” – Josh Marcroft

“The question isn’t ‘Are you being discipled?’ but ‘What is discipling you?’” – Addison Roberts

“If you don’t read good books, you’ll read bad ones. If you don’t think rationally, you’ll think irrationally.” – C.S. Lewis (quoted)

“Social media platforms aren’t neutral—they are shaping your habits, emotions, and attention.” – Addison Roberts

“We become what we behold. We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.” – Marshall McLuhan (quoted)

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

Spiritual Practices & Tools:

• Every Moment Holy – Modern liturgical prayers for everyday life: https://www.everymomentholy.com/

• Book of Common Prayer – A classic prayer book used by the global church

• The Psalms – Recommended for daily reflection, especially Psalms 13, 42, and 103

• The Examen – A daily prayer of reflection rooted in Ignatian spirituality

• Romans 12:2 and John 15:4 – Encouraged passages for further study and practice

Grace Community Church Young Adults Ministry:

• Weekly Young Adult Gathering: Tuesdays at 7:00 PM

• Upcoming Events: Barnstormers game, mini golf, and more

• Open to anyone 18–30 (or who feels like a young adult at heart!)

Connect with GCC:
Website: gccws.net
Weekend Services:

• Saturday at 6:00 PM

• Sunday at 8:00 AM, 9:15 AM, and 11:00 AM
  Address: 212 Peach Bottom Road, Willow Street, PA

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 episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Brie Taylor, site director for Bible2School at Pequea Elementary in the Penn Manor School District. Taylor explains how this innovative release-time program provides free elective Bible classes to elementary school students during their lunch and recess hours. She shares her personal journey to ministry, from praying for gospel presence in schools while waiting in her son's kindergarten line to eventually leading the program at her children's school. The conversation explores how Bible2School operates across all seven Penn Manor elementary schools through volunteer efforts, church partnerships, and community support. Taylor highlights the program's impact on students, including the surprising fact that 40-50% of participating children come from unchurched families, and shares touching stories of how biblical teachings have affected students' daily lives.

Want to volunteer?

Email us at info@gccws.net

In this episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Brad Aldrich, a Christian licensed marriage and family therapist who shares insights from his 20+ years of counseling experience. The conversation explores the value of professional marriage counseling, how couples can cultivate spiritual intimacy despite different faith expressions, and why many couples wait too long to seek help. Aldrich discusses key transition points in marriage that often create stress, including having children and becoming empty nesters, while offering practical advice on maintaining connection through intentional time together. The conversation also addresses how "purity culture" messaging has impacted Christian couples' intimacy and provides thoughtful guidance for developing healthier perspectives on sexuality within marriage.

Register for Men's Breakfast

Aldrich Ministries

In this episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Reid Drury, a Christian tattoo artist preparing to open his own shop in Lancaster. Drury shares his remarkable journey from drug addiction to faith through YWAM (Youth With A Mission), and how he discovered tattooing as both a profession and ministry opportunity. The conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities of being a Christian in the tattoo industry, including navigating moral dilemmas, building relationships with clients, and using his platform to share the gospel. Drury offers insights on how his faith guides his work ethics and business decisions, while highlighting the powerful connections he's formed with clients who have come to faith through their relationship.

In this episode of Know and Follow, Pastor Addison sits down with Julie Baum from Align Life Ministries to discuss their mission to champion the sacredness of human life and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Julie shares how Align supports women and families through pregnancy services, post-abortion care, and strategic partnerships. She recounts powerful stories of lives changed, God's provision through challenging times, and how the ministry stands as a beacon of hope and practical support. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about how faith shapes their approach, this episode is packed with inspiring insights.

🔗 Learn more about Align Life Ministries: https://alignlifeministries.org/

Content Warning

This episode of Know and Follow includes discussions about unexpected pregnancies, abortion, post-abortion regret, and sexual assault. Some listeners may find these topics sensitive or triggering.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, Align Life Ministries offers compassionate care and resources. Visit ⁠alignlifeministries.org⁠ for more information.

Please listen with care, and feel free to pause or seek support as needed.

In this episode of Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Cindy Feaster and Doug Miller who lead Grace Community Church's prison ministry at Lancaster County Prison. They discuss their paths to prison ministry, the challenges of working within the prison system's rules, and the surprising resilience and biblical knowledge they encounter among inmates. The conversation explores both the practical aspects of prison visitation and the deeper impact of showing Christ's love to those who are incarcerated. Cindy and Doug share insights about reentry challenges for former inmates and ways Christians can support prison ministry beyond direct volunteering.