Deep dive into discussions with breakout sessions and fellowship with other single adults, all while focusing on your purpose in Christ.
Family Life presents Thrive!
January 17-19, 2025
The Y at Watson Homestead
9620 Dry Run Road, Painted Post, NY 14870
The Importance of Community
Join us for the 2025 Thrive Singles Conference with keynote speaker Ken Rudolph as he focuses on the theme: The Importance of Community. 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 Ken Rudolph, additional 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!
Keynote Speaker
To be Announced Soon!
Ken Rudolph
Ken has been in ministry for 48 years. He has served in the pastorate for ten years in the Washington, DC area; for thirteen years he worked at Clarks Summit University recruiting students for ministry; for ten years he served at Lake Ann Camp as the Senior High Camp speaker and Director of Advancement; and starting in 2009, Ken and his wife, Jinner, joined the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism and were part of the mobilization team traveling to Europe to speak at churches, camps and Christian schools. He retired in 2021 but continues to minister at Lake Ann Camp and Europe. Ken has a Bachelors in Religious Education, a Master of Ministry degree from Baptist Bible Seminary and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Clarks Summit University.
Schedule
Coming Soon
Workshops
Living With Thorns
Debbie Fero
10:55am – 11:55am | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
This workshop is based on the book with the same title by Mary Ann Froehlich. Like the apostle Paul, many of us have thorns in our life that just won’t go away even though we’ve asked God to remove them. Maybe your thorn is a broken relationship, a chronic illness, the loss of a loved one, or the death of a dream. In this workshop we’ll learn from Paul’s example. His life teaches us that even more important than the source of his pain was how he handled it. He asked God to remove it, then he accepted it and finally he came to understand that God had a purpose for his pain. Through Biblical truths, we will find comfort, encouragement and tangible survival tools for facing painful circumstances.
Bio
Debbie Fero has a passion for ministering to single adults. Her passion for this type of ministry began in January of 2000 when she attended her first Family Life Singles Conference and made the decision to wholeheartedly follow Jesus. After that life-changing weekend, she volunteered as a singles ministry team member for two different churches. She also began to volunteer with Family Life’s SALSA (Salt & Light Single Adults) from 2001 -2006. She was part of a team that planned events for singles. These events included rafting trips, skating nights, volleyball nights, game nights, picnics and the annual Singles Conference. In early 2005, Debbie felt the call from God to use her passion and her gifts to serve the Lord at Family Life. From July of 2006 until she retired in July of 2021, Debbie worked at Family Life in the Events Department. During those 15 years, Debbie helped to plan and coordinate the annual Singles Conference where she taught several workshops such as – All Stars on Knee Pads, What’s So Amazing About Faith, Every Heart Has a Story and Reclaiming the Adventure of a Spirit-Led Life).
Community Is Spiritual Warfare
Jeff Bartz
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Satan’s scheme to take down young adults is to isolate you and separate you from the safety of the herd. Isolation is where we are most vulnerable to temptation and spiritual attack. How do you resist and counter the slide into isolation? And how do you rescue others? This workshop is a tactical approach to equip you to take back ground the enemy has invaded.
Bio
Dr. Jeff Bartz is the Lead Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Batavia, NY, where he directs Grace Counseling Ministries and the Grace Counseling Training Center. He served as Chaplain of the 107th Attack Wing where his mission was to calibrate the human weapon system. He and his wife, Jami, have 5 boys and occasionally raise squirrels, but find serving God to be the greatest adventure.
More Workshops Coming Soon!
Stay tuned for more workshop updates, including workshops from cohost of Rise Up, Tim Powers, and cohost of Middays, Randy Snavely!
Pricing
Pricing to increase by noon on December 16th
Commuter
$140
- All meals
- The Conference
- Use of the facilities during the day
Dorm Style
(North & South Wing)
$200
- All meals
- The conference
- Twin bunk beds and sleep four people.
- Shared bathrooms in the wing hallways.
Hotel Style
(West Wing)
$265
- 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 Version 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. To request an application, e-mail 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!