Family Life presents Thrive!

Deep dive into discussions with breakout sessions and fellowship with other single adults, all while focusing on your purpose in Christ.

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January 17-19, 2025

The Y at Watson Homestead

9620 Dry Run Road, Painted Post, NY 14870

Registration will be opening in the Fall

Testimonials

Keynote Speaker

To be Announced Soon!

Schedule

(Example from 2024)

Friday

  • 5:30 - 6:45 PM – Check-in & Bingo
  • 7:00 - 8:00 PM – Introduction, Announcements, Icebreaker game
  • 8:00 - 8:3 PM – Worship
  • 8:30 - 9:30 PM – Session 1 (Sherrie Holloway)
  • 9:30 - 9:45 PM – Candy Bar Discussion
  • 9:45 – 11:00 PM – Free Time & Refreshments
  • 11:00 PM – Quiet Time

Saturday

  • 7:15 - 7:45 AM – Optional Morning Prayer Time – Self-led (Chapel)
  • 8:00 - 8:55 AM – Breakfast
  • 9:00 – 9:15 AM – Worship
  • 9:15 – 10:15 AM – Session 2 (Sherrie Holloway)
  • 10:15 – 10:40 AM – Announcements/Intro Workshops
  • 10:55 – 11:55 AM – Workshop 1 (choices in various places)
  • 12:00 – 12:55 PM – Lunch
  • 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Workshop 2 (choices in various places)
  • 2:00 – 6:00 – Free Time
    • 4:00 – 5:00 - Free Time Dance Workshop
  • 6:00 – 7:00 PM – Dinner
  • 7:00 – 7:30 PM – Icebreaker Game
  • 7:30 – 8:00 PM – Worship
  • 8:00 – 9:00 – Session 3 (Sherrie Holloway)
  • 9:00 – 11:00 PM – Free Time
  • 11:00PM Quiet Time

Sunday

  • 8:00 – 8:30 AM – Optional Morning Chapel Time (Chapel)
  • 8:30 – 9:30 AM – Check out of rooms, pack vehicles, return keys, socialize *Please have everything out of your rooms by 9:30AM; Did you leave anything in a fridge?
  • 9:30 – 10:25 AM – Brunch
  • 10:30 – 11:30 AM – Sing & Share
  • 11:30 – 12:30 PM –Session 4 (Sherrie Holloway)
  • 12:45 PM – Departure

Workshops

(Examples from 2024)

Nicki-Maclauchlan

Embracing Change

Nicki Maclauchlan

10:55am – 11:55am | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

What does it look like to truly embrace change? Does it mean I am supposed to pretend to be okay? We will explore our expectations, our responses to change, and why change can be a sign of health and hope.

Bio

Rev. Nicki Maclauchlan was raised in a pastor’s family and received the call to full time Christian ministry at age 18.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from Indiana Wesleyan University and has been serving alongside her husband, Pete, in ministry since 2005.  She has a passion for authenticity in the church, Christian Education, Pre-Marital and Marriage Counseling. Nicki serves as a Co-Youth Pastor with her husband at Buena Vista Wesleyan Church, in Canisteo, NY. They have 4 daughters, a dog, a bunny, a chinchilla, 5 geckos, and 12 chickens; therefore an action-packed life! 

Pastor-Lindmark

Happily Ever After

Pastor Allan Lindmark

10:55am – 11:55am

Figuring out life and our plans for the future can seem overwhelming and daunting at times. However, God has promised that He has a purpose for our lives. This workshop will focus on how the Bible pins our hope ultimately on God’s future plans for us and how this helps us find hope and peace and purpose for living now. 

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 nine 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.

DaveBretch

Prayer & Fasting

Dave Bretch

10:55am – 11:55am | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Life is full of daily battles. Instead of fighting these battles alone, God has provided us with two powerful weapons:  prayer and fasting. Learn more about these powerful spiritual practices and how to put them into daily practices as we face life’s battles.

Bio

Dave Bretch has served at Beartown Road Alliance Church as lead pastor for 11 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 17 years, and have 4 children:  Nathan (14), Daniel (12), Micah (8), and Cara (4). His hobbies include coaching little league baseball, watching college football, and eating ice cream. 

MichelleHammaker

Are You a Slave to Your Habits?

Michelle Hammaker

10:55am – 11:55am | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Are you a slave to your habits or are your habits glorifying your Heavenly Father? Living your best life isn’t a magic formula or something that is impossible to attain. Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” In our time together, we will discuss what it looks like to master our habits instead of having them master us, and how they can bring honor and glory to our Father. Are you ready to live your best life?

Bio

Michelle came to know Christ as her Savior at a young age and her greatest desire is to be deeply rooted in the Lord as she walks through life. The Lord has given her many opportunities to serve Him in her local church, as well as around the globe. She considers her 24 years as a Resident Director at Clarks Summit University, and 2 years in South Africa as a short-term missionary, inspirational parts of her life. Four things you should know about Michelle which define her are: her personal relationship with Jesus Christ, her love for family, serving in her local church, and discipling others through various avenues. Her time is spent serving others through helping them build healthy habits, as well as providing care for her aging parents.

JayCheri

Healing Identity

Jay Lascolea

10:55am – 11:55am | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

If we are honest, many of us struggle at times to fit in, find our purpose, and know who we truly are. Furthermore, we can believe lies that cause us to take on a false identity, which so often leads to insecurity and anxiety. The first step toward healing is knowing WHO you are, and WHOSE you are. In this workshop, you will learn how to “renew your mind” to the truth, and cast out the lies that lead to an identity crisis. You will also learn what it means to walk confidently in the identity Father God has given you as His beloved child. 

Bio

Jay LaScolea is a Pastoral Counselor and Healing Minister. He is an ordained minister who has been helping individuals and couples since 2004. Jay has counseled as part of a church staff, and currently in his own practice. Jay’s focus is inner (deep level) healing of the soul, and has seen many people set free and healed from trauma, hurts and wounds. He specializes in spiritual, emotional and relational issues. Jay has been married nearly 20 years to his wife Cheri. As individuals, and as a couple, Jay & Cheri have both experienced the healing power and love of Jesus Christ in a very personal way. They know God as the one true healer, who ultimately makes a person whole. Jay & Cheri minister together helping people walk in healing and freedom through the Wellsprings of Freedom ministry (wellspringsoffreedom.com). They live with their daughter (Abby), son (Noah), and dog (Ollie) in Corning, NY. 

GaryBarbShort

Your Story Matters: How to Thrive Emotionally and Spiritually

Gary & Barb Short

10:55am – 11:55am

Experiences in our lives from childhood to the present have a deeper impact on us than we may realize. It affects our beliefs about ourselves and about God.
Because of these false beliefs a lot of negative energy goes into maintaining wounds in our head and in our heart. Healing these wounded areas is important. This workshop will delve into how to begin healing as God continues to write our story.

Bio

Gary: Gary began serving as director of the Biblical Counseling Department in 2008. Gary loves every aspect of being a counselor and daily thanks God for the privilege of helping those that seek Godly wisdom for their concerns.

Barb: After working for 18 years at the Steuben County Community Mental Health Center, Barb joined Family Life’s Biblical Counseling staff in September 2010. She is blessed by the Lord to help hurting people in any way she can.

Pricing

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 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!