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
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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.
Estate and Medicaid Planning for Singles
Ron Snavely
10:55am – 11:55am
This workshop will cover what singles need to know and do to protect themselves and their loved ones from unnecessary expense and anxiety.
Bio
Ronald L. Snavely has run a successful law practice in Painted Post, New York for over 30 years, specializing in Trusts, Estates and Asset Protection. His staff at the Painted Post office describe him as a wonderful attorney to work for, who loves the Lord and treats them like family. He is encouraging to all and has an affable, peaceful demeanor that is endearing to all who meet him.
Ron received his BS from Liberty University, his MBA from Syracuse University and his JD from the Dickinson School of Law. He is married with three married children. His hobbies include travel, golf, and Reformed Theology.
Dangerous Business: Questing with Jesus
Tim Powers
10:55am – 11:55am
Every day, the choice to strike out on the path with Jesus awaits. How do classic storytelling features parallel life following Christ? Explore John’s Gospel for a model of the meaningful quest Jesus is beckoning us to each day. (Tailored to—but not exclusive to—the enjoyer of fiction, movies and myths!)
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.
The Cost of Invulnerability
Dave Bretch
10:55am – 11:55am | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Being vulnerable with someone else is scary. What if we get rejected or condemned? As a result, we often choose to remain “on the front porch” rather than opening up our messy inside. Pastor Dave Bretch unpacks the benefits of vulnerability in relationships.
Bio
Dave Bretch has served at Beartown Road Alliance Church as lead pastor for 12 years. He loves to preach on Sundays and mentor leaders who want to change the world for Jesus! He and his wife, Jen, have been married for 18 years, and have 4 children: Nathan (15), Daniel (13), Micah (9), and Cara (5). His hobbies include coaching little league baseball, watching college football, and eating ice cream.
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Grace
Bree Wakefield
10:55am – 11:55am
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.
Counterattack - Beating Back the Enemy (featured)
Randy Snavely
5:00pm – 6:00pm
We know the war has been won by Christ Jesus, but battles are continually fought every day. This session will focus on winning those battles. Nehemiah will be our example.
Bio
Randy was a staff evangelist for Kansas City YFC for nearly six years before joining the radio staff at Family Life in 1983. He is now the co-host of Middays with Randy & Mel. He is married to Kristina, and they have four adult children.
More Workshops Coming Soon!
Stay tuned for more workshop updates!
Pricing
Commuter
- All meals
- The Conference
- Use of the facilities during the day
Dorm Style
(North & South Wing)
- All meals
- The conference
- Twin bunk beds and sleep four people.
- Shared bathrooms in the wing hallways.
Hotel Style
(West Wing)
- 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?
*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?
- 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?
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?
How do I get a scholarship?
Where do I park?
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!