Join this Unforgettable Event with Michael W. Smith & Friends
This past October we were able to share a very special weekend with you at The Cove for a RETREAT weekend. It was one of those weekends that you never forget. While we were there we couldn’t help but constantly say “next time we’ll do this.” As if it had already been decided we’d be coming back. There was a peace over the place that helped us focus ourselves on worship, learning, and fellowship that was unlike any weekend event that we’ve done before.
This upcoming October, I am incredibly blessed to let you know that my good friend, Bob Goff, will once again be joining us for the weekend. I cannot wait for you to be inspired by Bob’s message. Also, we’ve invited Will Graham to join us so that we can learn more from his Bible teaching around the world through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
The lodging and conference facilities are built in a way that they gracefully tuck into the landscape of the rolling hills. There are trees and mountains as far as you can see, and there is a peacefulness about the property that is unlike any place I have ever visited.
The setting that lends itself to the purpose of this weekend. We want you to Refocus (your priorities), Renew (your commitment), and Revive (your spirit). I can’t think of a more perfect place.
I hope you will consider joining Debbie and me for a very special event at a very special place.
God Bless,
Michael W. Smith
Meet These Special Guests During Your Exceptional Travel Experience
A Washington attorney whose New York Times best-selling book, Love Does, propelled him into a popular author and speaker, Bob Goff is the founder of a nonprofit organization that fights injustices against underprivileged children in Uganda, Nepal, India, Iraq, and Somalia. He also serves as the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Uganda to the U.S. and is an adjunct professor at Pepperdine Law School and Point Loma Nazarene University.
A Washington attorney whose New York Times best-selling book, Love Does, propelled him into a popular author and speaker, Bob Goff is the founder of a nonprofit organization that fights injustices against underprivileged children in Uganda, Nepal, India, Iraq, and Somalia. He also serves as the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Uganda to the U.S. and is an adjunct professor at Pepperdine Law School and Point Loma Nazarene University.
In November of 1990, John took the stage at an Indianapolis comedy club with the intention of getting comedy out of his system. "I figured they'd at least boo me off stage. Worst case scenario, they'd throw stuff at me."
As it turned out, there was no booing or throwing.
And since that fateful maiden voyage, John has made lots of people laugh from coast to coast. On stage, he's energetic and contagiously enthusiastic about numerous topics including: Electronic cigarettes, Snuggies, automatic flushing toilets and the proper age to stop chewing your shoe in church. Born and raised in the heart of fly-over country, John is committed to "comedy that won't leave a filthy residue". There's nothing in his act that you wouldn't want to hear your children repeat. (In fact, if your children repeat anything he says, send him a video copy of it...he'd love to see it!) "People didn't invent laughter. It was given to us by someone who knew we'd enjoy it. Every show, my goal is to hurt people. Seriously. I want people's jaws to ache. I want their sides to cramp up. I want them to experience dizziness from oxygen deprivation. When they are in pain, I've done my job."
And hundreds of audiences eagerly respond, "Bring on the pain..."
In November of 1990, John took the stage at an Indianapolis comedy club with the intention of getting comedy out of his system. "I figured they'd at least boo me off stage. Worst case scenario, they'd throw stuff at me."
As it turned out, there was no booing or throwing.
And since that fateful maiden voyage, John has made lots of people laugh from coast to coast. On stage, he's energetic and contagiously enthusiastic about numerous topics including: Electronic cigarettes, Snuggies, automatic flushing toilets and the proper age to stop chewing your shoe in church. Born and raised in the heart of fly-over country, John is committed to "comedy that won't leave a filthy residue". There's nothing in his act that you wouldn't want to hear your children repeat. (In fact, if your children repeat anything he says, send him a video copy of it...he'd love to see it!) "People didn't invent laughter. It was given to us by someone who knew we'd enjoy it. Every show, my goal is to hurt people. Seriously. I want people's jaws to ache. I want their sides to cramp up. I want them to experience dizziness from oxygen deprivation. When they are in pain, I've done my job."
And hundreds of audiences eagerly respond, "Bring on the pain..."
Program Schedule
Sometimes the best way to refresh your life is to get away from your everyday surroundings and be intentional about focusing on what matters in your life.
THE RETREAT with Michael W. Smith and special guests Bob Goff and Will Graham is that opportunity. Each day will focus on a different theme:
REFOCUS:
your priorities
RENEW:
your commitment
REVIVE:
your spirit
It is Michael’s hope that THE RETREAT provides a reset button to the daily grind.
It is our prayer that THE RETREAT will provide everyone attending an opportunity
to connect and bring Christ to the center of their lives!
FRIDAY, October 20: REFOCUS – your priorities
- 2:00 pm: Arrival and Check-In Begins at the Main Training Center
- 5:15 pm: Dinner (Group 1) / Photos with Michael, Bob, and Will (Group 2)
- 6:30 pm: Dinner (Group 2) / Photos with Michael, Bob, and Will (Group 1)
- 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm: Independent Prayer & Reflection / Chatlos Memorial Chapel open for prayers and tours
- 8:00 pm: Welcome, Teaching & Concert (ALL GUESTS)
- 10:00 pm: Late Evening Group Activity / Performance (ALL GUESTS)
- 11:00 pm to 12:00 am: A TIME FOR FRIENDS in the Training Center, Fireplace Lobby area. (This is a social time that The Cove keeps open for guests to get together and have an informal time of fellowship)
SATURDAY, October 21: RENEW – your commitment
- 7:00 am to 9:30 am: Independent Prayer & Reflection / Chatlos Memorial Chapel open for prayers and tours
- 7:00 am to 8:00 am: Breakfast (Group 1)
- 8:15 am to 9:15 am: Breakfast (Group 2)
- 9:30 am: Morning Teaching & Worship (ALL GUESTS)
- 11:00 am to 6:00 pm: Fellowship, Hiking, and Cove Tours (ALL GUESTS)
- 11:15 am to 12:15 pm: Lunch (Group 1)
- 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm: Lunch (Group 2)
- 11:15 am: Challenge Hike (Hike is 6+ miles up hill)
- Sack lunches and water bottles for guests to have while on the hike
- Medals at the top of the mountain for all guests who make it
- 4:00 pm: Women’s Devotion with Debbie Smith
- 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm: Dinner (Group 1)
- 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm: Dinner (Group 2 & Returning Hikers)
- 8:00 pm: Worship Concert (ALL GUESTS)
- 10:00 pm: Late Evening Group Activity / Performance (ALL GUESTS)
- 11:00 pm to 12:00 am: A TIME FOR FRIENDS in the Training Center, Fireplace Lobby area. (This is a social time that The Cove keeps open for guests to get together and have an informal time of fellowship)
SUNDAY, October 22: REVIVE – your spirit
- 7:30 am to 10:00 am: Prayer / Quiet Time – on the Training Center Back Porch
- 7:00 am to 8:00 am: Breakfast (Group 1)
- 8:15 am to 9:15 am: Breakfast (Group 2)
- 10:00 am: SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
- 12:00 pm: Check-out
- The above schedule is tentative and subject to change. A finalized schedule of events will be distributed closer to the event dates.
- All times listed above are Eastern Standard Time.
About Billy Graham’s Training Center at The Cove:
The Cove is a 1,200 acre getaway in Asheville, North Carolina where gifted Christian leaders, teachers, and speakers guide people in studying God’s Word. We invite you to come with a friend, spouse, or a group and discover that the greatest thing about The Cove is what you take home: life-changing truths that will produce a harvest of righteousness in you and those around you.
The History: A Place of Spiritual Refreshment
Upon visiting The Cove property, Mr. and Mrs. Graham had a dream of providing a place where people could leave the demands of daily life, come to study God’s Word, and be trained to reach the lost for Christ.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) purchased the current property in 1972. In 1987 the BGEA Board of Directors approved the Billy Graham Training Center (BGTC) at The Cove to train people in God’s Word to win others to Christ. Today, programs at the BGTC are offered year-round and feature leading Bible teachers from around the world. The Cove teaches people to know God better, know God’s Word, build godly relationships and help others know God.
Impact. Intercession. Instruction. Inspiration.
Billy and Ruth Graham each expressed their vision for The Cove with four words. Billy dedicated it as a place of impact, intercession, instruction, and inspiration—a sanctuary where men and women are equipped by God’s Word for evangelism and discipleship.
Retreat. Rest. Relaxation. Renewal.
Ruth Graham prayed The Cove would be a place for retreat, rest, relaxation, and renewal, a refuge where hospitality is a ministry. Her desire was to create an environment where people can meet with the Lord Jesus personally and privately—and never be the same again. Each year those prayers continue to be answered for tens of thousands of guests.
Retreat Highlights Include:
WHAT DOES THE RETREAT WEEKEND EVENT PASS INCLUDE:
◦ All meals, evening snacks and beverages throughout the weekend
◦ Teaching and concerts
◦ Full access to Cove facilities, hiking trails, tours and on-property shuttles
◦ Free ice cream (of course)
◦ A level of customer service that you have likely never experienced before!
WANTING TO STAY AT THE COVE?
All guests staying on-property receive three days and two nights of accommodations at one of the two Cove lodges plus Event Pass. All rooms have 2 queen size beds plus bathroom located in a mountain lodge atmosphere tucked tightly in the forest. There are only 120 rooms available in the Pilgrims and Shepherds Inns on the Cove Property. These rooms will sell out quickly.
◦ One Person in a Room: $1,490*
◦ Two People in a Room: $795* per person
◦ Three People in a Room: $745* per person
◦ Four People in a Room: $695* per person
Book on or before December 31, 2016 and SAVE $100, per person, on all Hotel Packages on property. Use Promo Code “EARLY” during check-out to apply the discount. Please note discount does NOT apply to guests staying off property.
WANTING TO STAY AT THE HOTEL OF YOUR CHOICE?
If you are staying off-property (not at The Cove) you have 100% access to the same amenities that on-property guests receive with the Event Only Pass. Please note that the Retreat is taking place during PEAK FALL color season in Asheville which means that hotels do not allow large group blocks. To get the best rates possible we recommend booking your room as early as possible. We do recommend that you also try to find a room as close to The Cove property as possible to make your morning/evening travel as simple as possible (search near Porter’s Cove Road).
If you would like Inspiration to secure a room for you off property please call one of our Reservation Coordinators today.
◦ Event Only Pass (Guest staying off property): $495* per person
*All reservations are subject to a non-refundable ticket fee of $49.95 per person and 7% sales tax.
FAQs
Where is The Cove? How do I get there?Address: 1 Porters Cove Road; Asheville, NC 28805
The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove is accessible from Interstate 40 on the east side of Asheville, NC at Exit 55 and from Highway 70 (Tunnel Road) on Porter’s Cove Road. You will be greeted at the Gatehouse and receive appropriate directions.
Airport Options:
- Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) – 20.5 miles to The Cove (approximately 30 minutes)
- We do not recommend that you schedule departing flights from AVL before 2:00 pm if you are able.
- If you are in need of special shuttle accommodations you may need to make those arrangements privately. Not all shuttle services will have ramps or lifts that are able to lift scooters or electric wheelchairs.
- Rental cars, taxi, and UBER services are available.
- If you are staying off-property (not at The Cove) you will be responsible for your own transportation to/from your hotel.
- The Cove will not be providing any airport shuttles during the event.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – 119 Miles (approximately 2 hours)
- Recommended transfer method: Rental Car
- Friday, October 20th: We do NOT recommend arriving at CLT any later than 2 pm on Friday, October 20, 2016
- Sunday, October 22nd: We do NOT recommend departing CLT any earlier than 4 pm.
How many people will be able to attend the event?
We have a maximum capacity of 435 guests. Which is far smaller than any weekend event or cruise that Michael W. Smith has ever hosted.
Can I drive my own car to the event?
Yes, there is ample parking at The Cove for any/all guests including those staying off property. One exception is that there will not be on-site parking available for campers that take up any more than two parking spots.
What do I do if I need an accessible room?
A very limited number of Wheelchair, disabled, and scooter accessible rooms are available upon request. Please note that these rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please list your specific needs in the “notes” field while completing your reservation. Please call one of our Reservation Coordinators to confirm your room request.
Will there be menu / food options for persons with food allergies at all meals?
We will have options available for guests with dairy, peanut and/or gluten allergies. If you have additional dietary restrictions, we encourage you to bring meal options with you.
Why can’t children attend?
The weekend is open to anyone 16 or older as of September 11, 2016. This is a strict rule that the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove requires of all events taking place at their facility. The reason for this is that they feel it is important to hold this rule in place so as to create a “spiritually reflective environment.”
When will Bob Goff and Will Graham be speaking?
The finalized schedule has not been completed at this time. We will announce the final schedule in late September 2017.
How do I register two (or more) people sharing a room, when both persons are going to be paying individually?
We love it when guests want to share rooms and if you’re looking for a roommate to share a room with FRIENDS ONLINE is a great place for you to go and find one. Guests sharing a room will be responsible for paying their half of the cost. For more information on this please call one of our Reservation Coordinators.
Can I get an event pass to just ONE day of the event?
The Retreat is an all-inclusive event and will not have any single day passes available.
Is there a specific dress code for the weekend?
Simple answer: Comfortable/respectful casual. Jeans, Cargo Shorts, T-shirts, Polo Shirts are fine. We do recommend that you bring shoes to hike in. There are amazing forest walking trails for you to explore. Also watch weather forecasts as the event comes up and plan accordingly. Recommend a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
Are there any materials that we should bring with us?
A Bible and whatever you want to use to take notes. We realize that most persons have their own special devotional notebooks or journals, so we encourage you to bring those.
● Non-refundable deposit due at time of booking = 25% of invoice total
● Cancellations Fees (Per Person) – Any registration packages, not paid in-full on or before July 14, 2017 are subject to cancellation without notice.
○ Today – April 13, 2017: Cancellation Fee = 25% of the package plus ticket fee and sales tax
○ April 14 – July 13, 2017: Cancellation Fee = 50% of the package plus ticket fee and sales tax
○ On or after July 14, 2017: Cancellation Fee = No Refunds
● All prices quotes are in U.S. dollars.
● All attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event location.
● Guests sharing a room at The Cove must be married, immediate family members, or friends of the same gender. Under no circumstances are unmarried couples allowed to share a room on The Cove property.
MON - FRI 8:30AM - 5:00PM (PACIFIC TIME)
BE SURE TO BOOK THROUGH INSPIRATION:This event is exclusive to those who book in advance through Inspiration Cruises & Tours. Booking through a secondary travel agent at the same hotels will not allow you to participate in any event programming.
Conferences
International Agents
Frequently Asked Questions
Live Concert Evening
JOIN AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN ARTISTS IN WORSHIP
Multimedia Experience
WATCH THE BIBLICAL DRAMA UNFOLD THROUGH THIS AWARD WINNING MUSICAL
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