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

The weekend starts off with Bible studies geared toward all ages, followed by Sabbath morning seminars and Sabbath school and then afternoon church services—all centered on our selected theme. 

After the Sabbath, your time can be filled with more fellowship, continuing education seminars and other group activities—such as sports, dances, axe throwing, bowling and laser tag, cornhole, jam sessions, live bands, preteen activities and art classes, a visual art show, games, Louisville experiences, a family fun fair, a free pizza dinner and more. The weekend has proven to be fun for all ages! 

When is it?
Friday, Dec. 22, to Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023

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 “Be Strong and of Good Courage,” based on Joshua 1:9. Every follower of Jesus Christ needs encouragement to stay the course and never give up! Just as God knew Joshua and the Israelites would need great courage to enter the Promised Land, He knows we need the strength of conviction and courage to face the future. Come to the 2023 Winter Family Weekend, where we will focus on the inspiration, strength and encouragement God gives to us, His people, as we journey to His Kingdom.

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. 5, 2023.

Are there any fees?
All attendees aged 13+ are charged a WFW event fee of $20 (if paid by Dec. 22), or $25 (if paid after Dec. 22). There are no registration or sports fees for anyone under the age of 13.*

Sports fee* (all inclusive) is $25 per person (if paid by Dec. 22), or $30 per person (if paid after Dec. 22). 
The maximum sports fee per family (all living under one roof) is $100. 

*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, Churchill Downs Tour, 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, jam sessions, preteen art classes, art show, 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 2023 is $85 (plus tax) per night per room for two queen beds or one king bed.
Rooms also have a parlor area with a sofa, minibar area with small sink, single-serve coffee maker 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. 

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 choir, as well as several small group or solo pieces. If you would like to serve in this way, please check the appropriate box on your WFW registration under volunteer opportunities. If you would like to perform a solo or in a small group, or if you have any questions related to special music, please contact the special music coordinator, Braden Ebersole. 

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 the event. 

Will there be a dance, and what is the theme?
Yes! We will have one family dance on Saturday evening. This year’s theme will be “Neon Nights.” Please feel free to wear your favorite glowing costume! 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.

How about COVID and illness protocols?
In following with good general health practices, we request that you refrain from attending the WFW if you have a fever, are feeling unwell or have knowingly been in contact with someone with COVID or with another illness in the days leading up to WFW. If you become ill while at WFW, we ask that you isolate and/or leave the event to help prevent spreading the illness.