Deep dive into discussions with breakout sessions and fellowship with other single adults, all while focusing on your purpose in Christ.
January 16-18, 2026
The Y at Watson Homestead
9620 Dry Run Road, Painted Post, NY 14870
The Importance of Community
Join us for the 2026 Thrive Singles Conference with keynote speaker Pastor Jake Klutinoty as he focuses on the theme: A Beautiful Picture of Providence while exploring the book of Ruth. Thrive focuses on reaching single adults of any age and place in life with any past relationship status. We want to come together to form a community of believers lifting each other up. Be encouraged with biblical teaching from Pastor Jake, workshops, and worship and connect with others during free time and activities all while focusing on your purpose in Christ.
Registration will be opening in the Fall
Testimonials
“I came unsure of what to expect as far as teaching and meeting new people. But my expectations were exceeded. Everyone has been super friendly. I’ve made new connections; it’s been extremely encouraging meeting singles of all ages in different life phases. Definitely looking forward to Thrive 2025”
“I came back after attending once, 20 years ago. I wasn’t sure how I would feel after going through a very painful marriage. God far-out exceeded anything I imagined. I ended up with the perfect roommates who were supportive & loving. I spread my wings and made friends with all kinds of people in different situations but showing the same bond – Jesus Christ and I didn’t feel left out or judged.”
“The worship times were wonderful, the food was great, but the saturation in the Word and the presence of God in all areas was exactly what I needed!”
“It felt like a safe community where we could be seen and valued and encourage one another in our journeys as Christ-followers who are single. Watson Woods is a beautiful setting, a perfect spot to get away and reflect. I think the weekend offered a great mix of meaningful workshop topics, corporate worship times, free time, and enough activity options to interest anyone.”
“Had a very blessed experience. Enjoyed the variety of ages and mix of people, great workshops and speaker. Worship band was amazing…great songs and beautiful music. Really had a great time and happy it was lighthearted instead of heavy while still being extremely helpful to grow in my walk!”
Keynote Speaker
To be Announced Soon!
Jake Klutinoty
Jake Klutinoty is the pastor of North Street Christian Church in Butler, PA. After graduating from Liberty University, Jake came to North Street to fulfill the need for a youth pastor. It didn’t take long for people to recognize his desire to fill the pulpit. Jake calls himself an expository Bible teacher. He is committed to teaching entire books of the Bible, covering every word, and delivering the author’s intent behind those words to the listener. Jake has been doing full-time pastoral ministry since 2011. While he will gladly participate in conferences and other speaking engagements, he is primarily called to shepherd the flock of God at his local church. Jake has hundreds of sermons available online through North Street Christian Church. He is married to Deanna, and together they have two children, Bodhi and Haleiwa. Together, they aim to echo John’s praise, which says, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”
Schedule
*Example from 2025
Coming Soon
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Workshops
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Grace
Bree Wakefield
11:00am – 12:00pm
In today’s increasingly polarized world, engaging in meaningful conversations about sensitive topics can feel dauting. When beliefs clash, the risk of escalating conflict or engaging in “toxic empathy” can hinder productive dialogue. Confrontation & Compassion in Community is designed to equip participants with practical tools to engage in difficult discussions with truth and compassion, rooted in a Christian perspective of love, grace, and reconciliation. Attendees will learn how to: Approach sensitive topics with humility and a Christ-like attitude, Confront differing beliefs with respect and love, Stand firm in your convictions while showing compassion, Navigate emotions in difficult conversations, Avoid toxic empathy and uphold truth, Create a culture of respectful dialogue, and How to practice empathy in a healthy and biblical way. This workshop is grounded in the biblical understanding that we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19), and to engage others with grace, patience, and humility. Whether discussing divisive moral issues like abortion or navigating other contentious topics, we will explore how to engage in ways that reflect Christ’s love, without compromising our beliefs or enabling harmful behaviors.
Bio
Bree Wakefield is the Executive Director of Mosaic of the Southern Tier, where she is deeply committed to empowering individuals and communities through truth, compassion, and Christian values. Passionate about equipping people with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive, Bree leads with a vision to create lasting change rooted in faith and service. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and hiking with her dog. Bree’s heart for service and her love for both family and the outdoors are at the core of her mission to bring hope and opportunity to those she serves.
It’s a Meaningless Life
Nathan Mewhort
11:00am – 12:00pm, 1:45pm – 2:45pm
“It’s a Meaningless Life” is an honest walk through Ecclesiastes, where Scripture confronts the things we’re tempted to build our lives on (success, pleasure, relationships, productivity, wisdom, and control) and calls them what they really are: chasing the wind. This workshop explores why so many good things still leave us empty, why meaning collapses when God is removed from the center, and how Ecclesiastes doesn’t lead us to despair but to clarity. True meaning isn’t found in what we achieve, accumulate, or experience, it’s found in rightly fearing God and receiving life as He intends.
Bio
Nate Mewhort is the Youth & Family Pastor at Branch Life Church in Pottstown, PA, where he channels his endless extrovert energy into mentoring students, supporting families, and talking to literally anyone who stands still long enough. A graduate of Clarks Summit University and one of ten siblings, Nate has been preparing for organized chaos his entire life.
He and his wife, Lynze, have been married for 16 years and have two teenagers who lovingly keep him humble. Nate is a self-proclaimed nerd who never met a board game he didn’t want to play, a Marvel movie he couldn’t quote, or a milkshake he didn’t immediately consider a blessing. Whether he’s leading a group, diving into Scripture, or gathering people around a game table, Nate brings joy, humor, and wholehearted passion to everything he does.
Thrive in Heartbreak: A Biblical Response When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
Lisa Karr
1:45pm – 2:45pm
Heartbreak…we’ve all been there. Whether it’s a failed relationship, an unexpected diagnosis, or a significant loss, life throws curveballs we never saw coming. But how should we respond? Join Lisa Karr as we examine the lives of men and women of the Bible and learn from Scripture how to thrive when life doesn’t make sense.
Bio
Lisa Karr is an Elementary Music Teacher, former missionary to Ethiopia, dog mom (to her goldendoodle, Silka), avid hiker, and super cool aunt. She currently serves as the Missions Director for the PennYork District of the Wesleyan Church and is the host of “Not Just Single”, which can be heard on the Family Life Network.
Rooted Together in Christ
Terese Main
11:00am – 12:00pm, 1:45pm – 2:45pm
Text: Colossians 4:7-18
Regardless of relationship status, the body of Christ is rooted together. Through community, partnership, and struggle.
Faith in Jesus is personal, but not private; it flourishes in shared soil. When we partner with one another, we strengthen our faith. Being rooted together with other Christians isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it! Explore Colossians 4 to learn how to grow strong and withstand the storms of life.
Bio
God wastes nothing so never take a chance meeting as mere coincidence! Terese met Family Life President Rick Snavely backstage at a concert one night and didn’t think very much of it. As time went on, her heart softened to the possibility of joining the ministry. The Lord increased that desire to the point where she could think of nothing she wanted to do more!
You can hear Terese as co-host of Family Life Main & Gabel. Before joining Family Life, Terese spent 15-years on the air in Rochester, NY.
Having grown up in Dryden, NY, attended Ithaca College and then moved to Rochester, Terese has spent her whole life in the Family Life listening area. She’s come to appreciate the beauty and wonder of this part of the country.
Terese accepted Jesus as her savior during High School, but walked away from Him during her 20’s. During that time, she met and married Scott, never having talked about her faith. A few years later, the topic came up and both shared the stories of their salvation, and started attending church, as they put Christ as the forefront of their lives. How good God is to have saved these two for each other! They are blessed with two daughters, Emily and Ashley.
Main Character Syndrome
Jesse Gabel
11:00am – 12:00pm, 1:45pm – 2:45pm
When it comes to identity, there are two dangerous mistakes we can make: underestimating our value, or grossly overembellishing it. Both are symptoms of Main Character Syndrome, a condition that can rob you of joy, erode relationships, and warp the truth about who God made you to be.
Bio
Just a homeschooled pastor’s kid with a short attention span and a face for radio.
Rhyme and Reason: Abiding in the Bible’s Jesus-Songs
Tim Powers
11:00am – 12:00pm
Jesus was nourished by the Psalms; they ran through his heart like a poetic lifeblood of prayer. All of the Bible “rhymes” with the character of Jesus, beating a rhythm we, too, can know by heart—like a song. The words about Jesus that carried Jesus are truths that carry us as we abide in the same Word, abiding ultimately in Him.
Bio
As a cohost of Family Life’s morning show, Tim can hardly believe he gets to be part of the radio ministry he listened to growing up! Tim’s happy place is being in a deep conversation with a good friend about our good God. His wife, their two little girls, the book of Ecclesiastes, and Shasta the Australian Shepherd make his heart feel full.
Faith Over Fear
Alan Lindmark
11:00am – 12:00pm
Learn from other’s mistakes! Join us in examining snippets of the life of King Saul. We will discuss how to use the weapon of faith to conquer the monster of fear in our hearts.
Bio
Alan Lindmark has served as pastor of Harvest since April 2004. Pastor enjoys spending time with his wife Laura, their five kids, and their twelve grandkids. When he is not in the study, you will likely find him hiking and camping on the Finger Lakes trail. Before being called as pastor of Harvest, Alan served as Bible teacher at Tabernacle Christian Academy and associate pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, NY. It was during these years that he watched in amazement how God works in people’s hearts through the preaching of Scripture.
Pricing
Registration ends 1/9/2026
Commuter
$190
- All meals
- The Conference
- Use of the facilities during the day
Dorm Style
(North & South Wing)
$250
- All meals
- The conference
- Twin bunk beds and sleep four people.
- Shared bathrooms in the wing hallways.
Hotel Style
(West Wing)
$315
- All meals
- The conference
- Two double beds
- Private Bathroom
* Note: These rooms are the furthest away from main hall and some are located downstairs.
FAQ
What are the demographics of those who attend?
We have been blessed to see a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and relationship statuses attend this conference. Here is a look at some of our demographics from 2024:
*attended as caretaker for guest
What should I bring?
- Bible
- Notebook if you like to take notes
- Travel water bottle
- Snacks if desired (there are refrigerators available)
- Games or activities for free time
- $1 donation towards supplies if doing craft workshop
- Toiletries (bed linens and towels are provided)
- Open hearts and minds to God’s teachings and promptings
What are the rooms like?
Hotel Style
- The hotel style rooms are double occupancy with a bathroom. These are comparable to your typical hotel room with two double beds.
Dorm Style
- The dorm style rooms are triple occupancy. There is an option for a fourth member, but they would need to stay in a top bunk. These rooms have shared bathrooms in the hallway typical of your typical dorm set-up.
*Please note that there is very little cell-phone reception at this location, especially for Verizon users. However, there is Wi-Fi and landlines are available.
Why do I have to have a roommate?
There are a limited number of rooms available at Watson Woods. If we allowed for single occupancy, it would significantly lower the amount of people we would be able to have stay on-site. Sharing rooms also helps us keep the costs down for you! If you are truly uncomfortable sharing a room, we suggest utilizing one of the nearby hotels.
What hotels are in the area?
- Hampton Inn Corning/Painted Post
- 248 Town Center Rd, Painted Post, NY 14870
- (607) 936-5020
- Holiday Inn Express Corning
- 9775 Victory Hwy, Painted Post, NY 14870
- (607) 936-3344
- Americas Best Value Inn Painted Post
- 196 S Hamilton St, Painted Post, NY 14870
- (607) 962-2456
*Search hotels in Painted Post online for other options
Is there a cancellation policy?
Unfortunately, all registrations are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend the conference after registering, you can feel free to have someone else attend in your place. Simply have them reach out to us with their information.
How do I get a scholarship?
There are scholarships available for half the price of registration. A completed application along with a reference letter from a pastor or spiritual mentor is required to qualify. Use the button below to fill out a scholarship application online or request a physical application by e-mailing Tately Casler at tatelycasler@familylife.org.
Where do I park?
When you arrive, there will be a point person at the entrance who will give drop-off and parking instructions. Please make sure you stop and receive the proper information from them.
When I arrive, where do I register?
- Upon entering Watson Woods, there will volunteers ready to help you with your luggage. They will also be able to point you to where you need to go next.
- There will be a registration table for commuters and another one for overnight guests. These will be marked with signs.
- Please check-in at the appropriate table to receive your room key, name badge, and more information.
- People will be available to point you to your rooms.
What does free time look like?
- The Y at Watson Woods has many activities available for free time. These include various games and puzzles, ping-pong, carpet ball, shuffle board, an outdoor basketball court, an outdoor volleyball court, hiking paths, and 9 hole disc golf course with discs.
- We will also be providing workshops during this time. Feel free to begin your own activity, explore the grounds, or go visit Corning during free time!