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We invite you to join your fellow family members for a weekend of fun, fellowship and learning at this year’s COGWA Winter Family Weekend!

When is it?
Tuesday, Dec. 24, through Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024.

Tuesday (Dec. 24) is arrival day and will begin with the free pizza dinner for all who have arrived.
This will also be the start of the Family Scavenger Hunt. Table and card games, as well as karaoke will be available following the pizza dinner.

Where is it?
The beautiful Galt House Hotel and Convention Center
140 N. Fourth St., Louisville, KY 40202

What is this year’s theme?                                                                                                                            
This year’s theme is “Redeeming the Time” based on Ephesians 5:16 where we are instructed to be “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” The word redeeming in this passage means to purchase, to buy up from the possession or power of someone else, or to rescue from loss, waste or misapplication. 

As wise men and women of God, we must properly use the time God has granted us, understanding what the will of the Lord is (verse 17). We understand that the world in which we live will be filled with distractions and allurements that can easily be a thief of the time God has granted us.

In the midst of this dark evil age, how can we use our time properly—according to the will of God? Join us at this year’s Winter Family Weekend, where those of like mind and purpose will gather together to learn how we should be “Redeeming the Time.”

Do I need to register? If so, when and how?
Yes! We will open registration via a link in your COGWA member portal on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.

Are there any fees?
All attendees aged 13+ are charged a WFW event fee of $20.

Sports fee* (all inclusive) is $30 per person. The maximum sports fee per family (all living under one roof) is $100. There are no registration or sports fees for anyone under the age of 13.*

*Note: Registering a preteen for a teen sport will result in a sports fee.

There are additional special activities** that may require a fee, such as the Main Event, axe throwing and go-karts, bourbon tasting, etc. The cost for these is provided in the portal registration process and in the activities list on the WFW website.

**Note: The fees for the special activities are in addition to the event and sports fees and do not count toward the maximum sports charge per family.

There are no additional fees for activities such as the dances, scavenger hunt, live band night, ladies’ tea, art show, karaoke, preteen art classes, family fun fair, continuing education classes, Sabbath school or the pizza dinner.

Are meals included?
Attendees are on their own for meals outside of the free pizza dinner. In the past, some families have chosen to bring their own food to enjoy in their room.

The Galt House Hotel has several on-site restaurants, and there are several other restaurants within walking distance for those who don’t wish to drive.  

What are the housing costs?
The rate for 2024 is $90 (plus tax) per night per room for two queen beds or one king bed. There is also a $7 per day, per car parking fee that will be added to each room for those using the Galt House parking garage.

Rooms also have a parlor area with a sofa, minibar area with small sink, single-serve coffeemaker and mini fridge.

Please note that not all rooms have a sleeper sofa. If you need to sleep additional people in the parlor area, please plan accordingly.

When and how can I make hotel reservations?
Your WFW registration confirmation email will contain a special link to make your hotel reservations at the Galt House Hotel. You can also find a link on the WFW website. There is a deadline of Dec. 16, 2024, for hotel reservations.

Booking a room at the hotel does not mean you are registered for the WFW. You must still register for the WFW through your COGWA portal.

How do I volunteer for special music?
We will have a family choir this year, which will include singers aged 13 and older. If you would like to serve in this way, please check the appropriate box on your WFW registration under volunteer opportunities. In addition, we look forward to having a group of Silver Ambassador singers. This group will be made of those who sang in the Young Ambassadors, the Ambassador Chorale or other Ambassador singing groups during that era of the Church. If you fit into this group and are interested, please email Braden Ebersole at [email protected].

When or where will the schedule of activities and seminars be posted?
A general list of activities is posted on the activities page of the WFW website.

The general schedule and seminar information will be posted in the near future, and the WFW app will also be available for download prior to the start of WFW.

Will there be a dance, and what is the theme?
Yes! We will have two dances on Saturday evening, Dec. 28 – A family dance and one for teens! This year’s theme for both dances will be “TV Commercial Characters.” We will once again offer pictures in front of the “step and repeat” area and prizes for best costumes. No scary, vulgar or immodest costumes, please.

Will the Sabbath morning seminars and Sabbath services be available on the webcast?
Yes! More information will be made available prior to the WFW.