During breakfast and lunch on both Saturday and Sunday in the Bonclarken Dining Hall, plan to sit with one of our leaders, speakers or volunteers to discuss more about their ministry, business or an educational topic.
Once you get your meal, go downstairs to the Convocation Hall (below the dining hall) and sit at the table of your choice. It is first-come, first-serve basis. A list of topics/leaders will be available during weekend. |
We will post this year's speakers later in 2022
PAST 2021 Leaders
LUNCH AND LEARN (Scroll down for Breakfast and Learns)
Renee Hermance, USMC Vet, Marion, NC
Lunch & Learn Topic #7: Renee Hermance, PTSD and post traumatic growth, Marion, NC (Saturday and Sunday)

Description: Post-traumatic growth will be going through steps to help you learn how to grow and thrive over Ptsd symptoms and trauma. These steps work on what Ptsd is and what post-traumatic growth is, and how to fight thoughts and beliefs to overcome automatic thoughts to thrive. How to help family members, friends, and spouses learn to support and understand what Ptsd is. This lesson will share ideas and understanding on Ptsd to help family and friends understand how the person thinks, believes, and what is causing the member to react the way they do. Tips on how to defuse and support their member.
Bio: Renee Hermance lives in the beautiful mountains of Nc. She is a USMC veteran and loves to see people healed through Christ and therapy. She was diagnosed with PTSD from a series of military injuries. Through her faith and amazing doctors, she is learning new ways to be healthy and find healing.
Contact: rherman1995@icloud.com
Bio: Renee Hermance lives in the beautiful mountains of Nc. She is a USMC veteran and loves to see people healed through Christ and therapy. She was diagnosed with PTSD from a series of military injuries. Through her faith and amazing doctors, she is learning new ways to be healthy and find healing.
Contact: rherman1995@icloud.com
Estelene Nichols, School Counselor, MEd/Ed Psychology, Irmo, SC
Lunch & Learn Topic #2: Four Personality Types! What type are you? (Saturday only)
Lunch & Learn Topic #2: Grief and Loss (Sunday only)
Lunch & Learn Topic #2: Grief and Loss (Sunday only)

Description: Four Personality Types: We often fail to get along with others because they don’t see from the same perspective we do! Estelene will give a very brief summary of the four personality types, and then we’ll take a quiz to see which one we might be!? Are you organized and very structured, or maybe you are free-spirited and casual? How can this help you get along better with others? If we can understand the personality types that are different than us, we can help get a better picture of how others may see the world! Jesus had the best of all 4 personalities, yet He made us unique! Come to laugh and share how we may see things differently!
Discussion topic: Grief and Loss:
Most people have experienced loss. It can be so difficult to manage our feelings when we have experienced great loss in our lives. In this Lunch and Learn we will share some of our grief and offer suggestions on things we can do to help us through the grief. Everyone is at different points in the grief process depending on where we are! Tears are allowed in our group and anyone can share their experience, but it is not required! What does Jesus say about loss? Jesus grieved over losses in His life. How can we gain wisdom by how Jesus handled loss.
Bio: Estelene has her master's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Houston. She also has her elementary education degree from Eastern Nazarene College in Massachusetts. Estelene grew up in Bloomsburg, PA, and moved to Houston, Texas, right out of college. She was an elementary teacher for 17 years and then took a few years off to go back to school. She then became a school counselor in Katy, Texas (a suburb of Houston) for 3 years. In 2008, she moved to Columbia, South Carolina, to be closer to her sister and niece. She has been a school counselor at an elementary school in Irmo, SC, and plans on retiring at the end of this school year (2022). She will be moving to Oklahoma City to be closer to her nephew that she raised since he was 12 years old, and his 3 babies! Estelene loves life and loves to laugh (even at herself) and gives all glory to the Lord for all that He has blessed her with!
Contact: estelene62@gmail.com
Discussion topic: Grief and Loss:
Most people have experienced loss. It can be so difficult to manage our feelings when we have experienced great loss in our lives. In this Lunch and Learn we will share some of our grief and offer suggestions on things we can do to help us through the grief. Everyone is at different points in the grief process depending on where we are! Tears are allowed in our group and anyone can share their experience, but it is not required! What does Jesus say about loss? Jesus grieved over losses in His life. How can we gain wisdom by how Jesus handled loss.
Bio: Estelene has her master's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Houston. She also has her elementary education degree from Eastern Nazarene College in Massachusetts. Estelene grew up in Bloomsburg, PA, and moved to Houston, Texas, right out of college. She was an elementary teacher for 17 years and then took a few years off to go back to school. She then became a school counselor in Katy, Texas (a suburb of Houston) for 3 years. In 2008, she moved to Columbia, South Carolina, to be closer to her sister and niece. She has been a school counselor at an elementary school in Irmo, SC, and plans on retiring at the end of this school year (2022). She will be moving to Oklahoma City to be closer to her nephew that she raised since he was 12 years old, and his 3 babies! Estelene loves life and loves to laugh (even at herself) and gives all glory to the Lord for all that He has blessed her with!
Contact: estelene62@gmail.com
Michelle Eigemann, LCSWA, Fletcher, NC
Lunch & Learn Topic #1: Holy Healed, Six biblical steps towards healing emotional wounds (Sunday only)

Description: The road to healing can be filled with strenuous twists and turns and unwanted detours but when we place our healing in the hands of the Holy Spirit we become fully restored and Holy Healed. Let's break bread together and dig through God's word to uncover his prescription for healing the wounded soul.
Bio: Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She works as a Child and Family therapist in Hendersonville, NC. She is passionate about working with those who have experienced trauma and attachment wounds and believes that biblical truth is the necessary ingredient in guiding individuals towards healing. She loves Jesus, writing and hiking (in that order) and believes that God's will is to see every person live holy healed.
Contact: meigemann0425@gmail.com
Bio: Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She works as a Child and Family therapist in Hendersonville, NC. She is passionate about working with those who have experienced trauma and attachment wounds and believes that biblical truth is the necessary ingredient in guiding individuals towards healing. She loves Jesus, writing and hiking (in that order) and believes that God's will is to see every person live holy healed.
Contact: meigemann0425@gmail.com
"One of my favorite parts of the retreat attending the Lunch and Learns on Saturday and Sunday. This past year I was one of the speakers. I loved getting to know those at my table better.
—Michelle Eigemann, Asheville, NC
Pastor Freddy Johnson, North Point Church, Columbia, SC
Lunch & Learn Topic #5: How to Talk to Your Pastor About Singles Ministry (Saturday only)
Lunch & Learn Topic #5: Having a Daily Devotional (Sunday only)
Lunch & Learn Topic #5: Having a Daily Devotional (Sunday only)

Description: How to Talk to Your Pastor About Singles Ministry: One of my favorite TV shows is “Bull”. The main character Dr. Bull, and his team try to anticipate the types of questions and responses that might be given during a trial. This is done to better prepare the defense for defending their client. Single adults make up over half the population in the United States. Yet, many churches, specifically Lead Pastors, struggle to see a need for this type of ministry. If you could sit down with your pastor, what questions would you ask? What would he ask you? Do you need help defending Singles Ministry to your Pastor/leadership? Do you have questions you would like to ask them? Let’s take advantage of my 28 years of pastoral experience, serving in three mega churches as their Single Adult Pastor and three other churches as the Lead Pastor. The better prepared you are…the better your chance of succeeding!
Description: Relentless Love: Freddy will be sharing about his new Bible study: Relentless Love
Bio: Freddy serves as the Lead Pastor at North Point Community Church, Columbia, SC. Single until the age of 42, Freddy has over 20 years of ministry experience related to Single Adults. He is the former Pastor of FOCUS in Asheville, NC where he served for 15 years. He was the Singles Pastor at Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia, SC and Pastor to Single Adults at Germantown Baptist Church in the Memphis, TN area. He also served as a consultant for Single Adults to the SC State Baptist Convention.
Freddy is passionate about helping people grow in their relationship with God. Whether he is speaking in front of a crowd or “one on one”, he is committed to helping people live with a passion for Christ!
Freddy shares God’s Word in a way that holds the listeners’ attention from beginning to end while encouraging them to apply The Word in their everyday lives. He does this by blending Biblical Truths with illustrations, stories and humor. Freddy often says, “Knowledge without application will not produce a fruitful life.”
Contact: pastorfreddy@northpointonline.org
Description: Relentless Love: Freddy will be sharing about his new Bible study: Relentless Love
Bio: Freddy serves as the Lead Pastor at North Point Community Church, Columbia, SC. Single until the age of 42, Freddy has over 20 years of ministry experience related to Single Adults. He is the former Pastor of FOCUS in Asheville, NC where he served for 15 years. He was the Singles Pastor at Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia, SC and Pastor to Single Adults at Germantown Baptist Church in the Memphis, TN area. He also served as a consultant for Single Adults to the SC State Baptist Convention.
Freddy is passionate about helping people grow in their relationship with God. Whether he is speaking in front of a crowd or “one on one”, he is committed to helping people live with a passion for Christ!
Freddy shares God’s Word in a way that holds the listeners’ attention from beginning to end while encouraging them to apply The Word in their everyday lives. He does this by blending Biblical Truths with illustrations, stories and humor. Freddy often says, “Knowledge without application will not produce a fruitful life.”
Contact: pastorfreddy@northpointonline.org
Kris Swiatocho, Director of Kris Swiatocho and The Singles Network Ministries, Hendersonville, NC
Lunch & Learn Topic #6: Intentional Relationships based on her new study (Saturday and Sunday)

Description: Healthy singles lead to healthy marriages, which leads to healthier families, churches, and communities. 95% of singles want a happy marriage but aren't prepared or struggle to find the right person. What if there was a guide to help avoid common obstacles and build a thriving friendship that could lead to marriage? Intentional Relationships for Singles is that resource. Thousands have used these principles resulting in richer relationships and happy marriages. Kris will be giving a short intro into the topic. Check out the website for more information, to order your own book and/or to start a group.
Bio: Vivacious. Knowledgeable. Passionate. That's Kris Swiatocho, Director of Kris Swiatocho Ministries and The Singles Network Ministries. Kris has served in ministry in various capacities for the last 30 years. An accomplished trainer/mentor author, Kris has a heart to reach and grow people so they will in turn reach and grow others. Kris is the author of 6 books plus a featured speaker on Emerge: Life Lessons for Single Mom's.
Contact: swiatocho@gmail.com • www.KrisSwiatochoMinistries.org • www.TheSinglesNetwork.org • www.IntentionalRelationshipSolutions.org
Bio: Vivacious. Knowledgeable. Passionate. That's Kris Swiatocho, Director of Kris Swiatocho Ministries and The Singles Network Ministries. Kris has served in ministry in various capacities for the last 30 years. An accomplished trainer/mentor author, Kris has a heart to reach and grow people so they will in turn reach and grow others. Kris is the author of 6 books plus a featured speaker on Emerge: Life Lessons for Single Mom's.
Contact: swiatocho@gmail.com • www.KrisSwiatochoMinistries.org • www.TheSinglesNetwork.org • www.IntentionalRelationshipSolutions.org
Graham Jones, Charleston, SC
Lunch and Learn Topic #4: God's Grace for Graham
![]() Description: Graham will be sharing part of his testimony written in his book.
Bio: When I was seventeen I was in a near fatal automobile accident and I saw how much God watched over me and took care of me after that. The automobile accident changed my life completely. I mean in all aspects, because at seventeen you are making the transitions from child to adult. In God’s Grace for Graham I share how God has blessed me and he has helped me though college and seminary and fulfilled all my needs. I am sure he not finished with me yet. Contact: gmjmarion@yahoo.com |
Russell and Kristie Johnson, RK Praise, Myrtle Beach, SC
Lunch and Learn Topic #10: Kristi and Russell will be sharing about their music ministry. (Saturday and Sunday)

Description: As worship leaders and Christian artists, Russell and Kristi combine passion and energy in their contemporary worship music. This incredible couple has dedicated their lives to giving glory to God through their music ministry. Their inspirational music touches the lives of those around them so intimately that it stirs souls and moves hearts closer to God. Russell and Kristi lift up His name in every note and song they sing.
Bio: Originally from Conway, SC, Russell and Kristi have been musicians all their lives and in the music industry for more than 20 years. Prior to the couple combining their talents, Kristi sang professionally for family variety shows, including The Carolina Opry. Russell grew up singing at church and also worked in professional theater as an audio engineer. Although Russell and Kristi grew up in the same town, they didn’t begin dating until college at Coastal Carolina University and were married a year later. They have a son, Will, and a daughter, Sidney. For more info: http://www.russellandkristi.com
Bio: Originally from Conway, SC, Russell and Kristi have been musicians all their lives and in the music industry for more than 20 years. Prior to the couple combining their talents, Kristi sang professionally for family variety shows, including The Carolina Opry. Russell grew up singing at church and also worked in professional theater as an audio engineer. Although Russell and Kristi grew up in the same town, they didn’t begin dating until college at Coastal Carolina University and were married a year later. They have a son, Will, and a daughter, Sidney. For more info: http://www.russellandkristi.com
Amber Hubbart, Oklahoma City, OK
Lunch and Learn Topic #8: Feeling At Home In Church, Not Alone, As a Young Single Adult (Saturday and Sunday)

Description: Amber will discuss ways to make church feel like home if you feel lost as a young single in your church. Ideas will also be shared on how to encourage fellow young single adults in their walks with Christ, in their interest in reading the Bible, in regular church attendance, and in participation in ministries.
Bio. Amber Hubbart lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and started a young single adults life group after attending the Navigate Leadership training three years ago. She is a former elementary teacher and currently works for Mardel Christian and Education.
Contact: Lordismyshepherdps23@yahoo.com
Bio. Amber Hubbart lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and started a young single adults life group after attending the Navigate Leadership training three years ago. She is a former elementary teacher and currently works for Mardel Christian and Education.
Contact: Lordismyshepherdps23@yahoo.com
Pat Rostron, Raleigh, NC
Lunch and Learn Topic #9: Becoming a financially confident steward of God's resources (Saturday and Sunday)

Description: I grew up in a large family with five kids and learned early how to save and the “don’t spend if you don’t have it” mentality. My parents grew up in the depression and knew how to thrive with very little. There was always food on the table, and I spent many Saturdays sewing up a new outfit, etc. It is not always easy to walk away from buying that new outfit, but we still learned the value of waiting. I will share resources to give a fresh look at your finances and how to get out of debt or stay out of debt and even save for retirement. This always starts with a reality check and spending styles. Then you are on the way to your financial dreams and goals.
Bio: Pat grew up in Clemson, SC, and left home with a degree in Zoology. This led to a career in medical research, followed by training adults on various software platforms related to the medical field. Recently retired, she enjoys her free time and helping with various singles ministries in Raleigh, where she has lived for 21 years. Her avocation has always been nature/education: oiled bird rehab in Delaware and nature tour guide in Dallas, Houston, and NC Natural Science Museum in Raleigh.
Contact: plr614@gmail.com
Bio: Pat grew up in Clemson, SC, and left home with a degree in Zoology. This led to a career in medical research, followed by training adults on various software platforms related to the medical field. Recently retired, she enjoys her free time and helping with various singles ministries in Raleigh, where she has lived for 21 years. Her avocation has always been nature/education: oiled bird rehab in Delaware and nature tour guide in Dallas, Houston, and NC Natural Science Museum in Raleigh.
Contact: plr614@gmail.com
BREAKFAST AND LEARNS
Pastor Wes Reed, Cornerstone Church, Newark, NY
Breakfasts and Learn Topic #1: Communicating with God (Saturday only)
Note: This topic will also be taught by Pastor Wes at the Sunday morning devotion.
Note: This topic will also be taught by Pastor Wes at the Sunday morning devotion.

Description: Communication with God is a privilege the world doesn’t possess. However, for every Believer, prayer is an immediate and essential life-line with direct access to the Giver of Life and all that pertains to it. Why is it then that prayer is always the “last resort,” rarely given serious consideration until every other possibility or human remedy for our dilemma has proven unhelpful? Join me in considering some of the reasons we don’t pray and the benefits gained when we pray.
Bio: Wes Reed lives in Newark, NY. Over the past 30+ years, he has held several church leadership positions, including worship leader, youth ministry, and ministry to the aged. Presently, he is senior pastor of Cornerstone Fellowship in Newark, NY, served since 2002. Wes has always been a firm believer that God wants us to “bloom where we’re planted,” no matter what the situation may be. With that thought in mind, he spear-headed an organization that provides opportunities for the fellowship and encouragement of single Christian adults.
Contact: wesreed12@yahoo.com; https://cornerstonenewark..org
Bio: Wes Reed lives in Newark, NY. Over the past 30+ years, he has held several church leadership positions, including worship leader, youth ministry, and ministry to the aged. Presently, he is senior pastor of Cornerstone Fellowship in Newark, NY, served since 2002. Wes has always been a firm believer that God wants us to “bloom where we’re planted,” no matter what the situation may be. With that thought in mind, he spear-headed an organization that provides opportunities for the fellowship and encouragement of single Christian adults.
Contact: wesreed12@yahoo.com; https://cornerstonenewark..org
Terri Davis, Monroe, LA
Breakfasts and Learn Topic #2: Getting Real with Your Singleness: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (Saturday and Sunday)

Description: Terri will discuss being real in your singleness and how she has thrived as a never- married single adult, dealing with life as it comes, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Bio: Terri Davis has been serving in singles ministry for seven years. She is currently serving as a single adult connect group leader in her church and in a single mom’s ministry at The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, LA. She has a heart for other single adults and has learned how to thrive in her singleness, taking each day as they come.
Contact: terri_345@yahoo.com
Bio: Terri Davis has been serving in singles ministry for seven years. She is currently serving as a single adult connect group leader in her church and in a single mom’s ministry at The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, LA. She has a heart for other single adults and has learned how to thrive in her singleness, taking each day as they come.
Contact: terri_345@yahoo.com
Camille Murray, Bella, PA
Breakfast and Learn Topic #3: Let's talk about Rest and the Discipline of Sabbath (Saturday and Sunday)

Description: As a self proclaimed busy bee, I find true rest difficult at times. The pulls of daily life tend to always give us "just one more thing" to do or have on the mind. The practice of Sabbath or rest is boldly opposed to the pace and pull of our days.
Touting benefits of better focus, clarity, improved health, stronger relationships and self-awareness, rest should be any easy sell! So why is it so difficult to slow down? Let's discuss the practice of rest, how we can glorify God in it and accept this gift from Him.
Matthew 11:28: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (New International Version)
Bio: Camille serves as a class facilitator with the new member's classes at her church in Pennsylvania, where she has been a member for over 13 years. She thoroughly enjoys helping usher in the new babes in Christ. In the spirit of practicing rest, she has recently taking up "glamping" and crockpot cooking.
Contact: cmurray2525@yahoo.com
Touting benefits of better focus, clarity, improved health, stronger relationships and self-awareness, rest should be any easy sell! So why is it so difficult to slow down? Let's discuss the practice of rest, how we can glorify God in it and accept this gift from Him.
Matthew 11:28: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (New International Version)
Bio: Camille serves as a class facilitator with the new member's classes at her church in Pennsylvania, where she has been a member for over 13 years. She thoroughly enjoys helping usher in the new babes in Christ. In the spirit of practicing rest, she has recently taking up "glamping" and crockpot cooking.
Contact: cmurray2525@yahoo.com
Kim Rich, Destin, FL
Breakfast and Learn Topic #4: Serving from Your Heart (Sunday only)

Description: Kim will be sharing a personal experience on how God called her out and transformed her heart by speaking five words to her….”. THESE. ARE. MY. INVITED. GUEST." He taught her to serve from my heart. Every person is an opportunity to shine for Jesus.
Bio: Kimberly Rich formally GM of marketing for Chick-fil-A and currently a retired Mimi. Kim has many years of experience in leading and serving the community. She has a charge for serving from the heart and looks forward to exploring the subject with you.
Contact: liveloved4ever@aol.com
Bio: Kimberly Rich formally GM of marketing for Chick-fil-A and currently a retired Mimi. Kim has many years of experience in leading and serving the community. She has a charge for serving from the heart and looks forward to exploring the subject with you.
Contact: liveloved4ever@aol.com
Ernest Jefferson, Greenville, SC
Breakfast and Learn Topic #5: Single Adults and Outreach (Saturday only)

Description:
We will dialogue about the following:
1. Making a positive impact in our communities.
2. The importance of volunteerism.
3. Being selfless with our time to help others.
4. Understanding the needs of overlooked our underserved people in our communities.
Bio: Ernest Jefferson, Jr. is a resident of Greenville County, S.C. Professionally, he is an Operations Manager. He serves the community through various church ministries and community organizations. He is passionate about ministering to the needs of Single Adults. Ernest is also the author of several books/studies, click here to see/order.
Contact: eajj13@hotmail.com
We will dialogue about the following:
1. Making a positive impact in our communities.
2. The importance of volunteerism.
3. Being selfless with our time to help others.
4. Understanding the needs of overlooked our underserved people in our communities.
Bio: Ernest Jefferson, Jr. is a resident of Greenville County, S.C. Professionally, he is an Operations Manager. He serves the community through various church ministries and community organizations. He is passionate about ministering to the needs of Single Adults. Ernest is also the author of several books/studies, click here to see/order.
Contact: eajj13@hotmail.com
Renee Hermance, USMC Vet, Marion, NC
Lunch & Learn Topic #7: Renee Hermance, PTSD and post traumatic growth, Marion, NC (Saturday and Sunday)

Description: Post-traumatic growth will be going through steps to help you learn how to grow and thrive over PTSD symptoms and trauma. These steps work on what Ptsd is and what post-traumatic growth is, and how to fight thoughts and beliefs to overcome automatic thoughts to thrive. How to help family members, friends, and spouses learn to support and understand what Ptsd is. This lesson will share ideas and understanding on Ptsd to help family and friends understand how the person thinks, believes, and what is causing the member to react the way they do. Tips on how to defuse and support their member.
Bio: Renee Hermance lives in the beautiful mountains of Nc. She is a USMC veteran and loves to see people healed through Christ and therapy. She was diagnosed with PTSD from a series of military injuries. Through her faith and amazing doctors, she is learning new ways to be healthy and find healing.
Contact: rherman1995@icloud.com
Bio: Renee Hermance lives in the beautiful mountains of Nc. She is a USMC veteran and loves to see people healed through Christ and therapy. She was diagnosed with PTSD from a series of military injuries. Through her faith and amazing doctors, she is learning new ways to be healthy and find healing.
Contact: rherman1995@icloud.com