Great entertainment that speaks to the heart!
Acts of Renewal combines professional theatre and rich Bible teaching…speaking to women where they live.

Carol is a professional actress and speaker who delights audiences nationwide with a unique blend of theatre and teaching that speaks to the heart of women's issues. Carol ’s one woman show on the subject of eating disorders, A Size 7 Forever, has been aired on PBS. Her own story of recovery has been aired on Focus on the Family’s radio show. Carol has performed or spoken at a wide variety of women’s events across the country. She is also a popular national speaker at Christian colleges and universities.

Visit Acts of Renewal's Site

A reputable author and speaker, Ellie has touched the hearts and funny-bones of audiences since 1984. Her ability to discover humor in everyday situations coupled with her deep understanding of God’s grace have brought laughter, hope and encouragement to many. Equally comfortable sharing the “Great News” alongside acclaimed teachers at national conferences, on a television broadcast, or roaming the halls during a midnight search for chocolate at a women’s retreat, Ellie effuses a natural ease and engaging warmth. After meeting Ellie for the first time, Patsy Clairmont shared, “She is the kind of person you immediately hope will always be your friend.”

Ellie (Elvira Robina Mannarino Lofaro) is a first generation American and the second of five children in a “very Italian” family. A native New Yorker, she speaks of being brought up “with the awareness of God, but not the experience of God.” However, as a teenager, she encountered a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and realized her new identity as a “Capital C Christian” — “highly flawed, fully forgiven and greatly favored.”

When asked about some of the joyous highlights of her life…Ellie shared that she loved her years at Boston College, taught high school English, coached volleyball, debate and Bible Quiz teams, traveled through Europe with a backpack for 10 weeks, served as a youth group leader, married Frank, made three babies, helped to revamp her church’s women’s ministry, presided over the PTA, hosted a daily radio talk show, contributed a newspaper column, traveled to five continents, and has filled up 70 plus photo albums. (no cropping!) That said; her deepest joy comes from receiving and sharing the goodness and love of God.

Ellie and her husband Frank (President and CEO of the Christian Leadership Alliance), reside near the nation’s capital. They have three terrific (almost grown) kids: Paris-- named for the City of Light; Jordan-- named for the River of Life; and Capri-- named for the Isle of Love.
Ellie loves the ocean, travel, photography, reading, eating all things Italian--but does not enjoy cooking.

Completely convinced of God’s love and His mandate to “go and tell,” Ellie has committed her life to inspire others with His goodness and grace. “After all, when you fall in love, you tell people. When you get married, you tell people. When you have a baby, you tell people. And when you find out there’s a way to live a life of purpose now and to live in Paradise forever and ever…well, you just don’t keep that kind of thing to yourself.” --Leap of Faith

Visit Ellie’s Site

“Every woman needs a Sisterchick - a friend who will laugh with you ‘til you cry and cry with you until you can laugh again.”

Robin Jones Gunn loves God and loves telling stories! She is Christian author of the Christy Miller, Sisterchicks and Katie Weldon books and has won numerous awards for her best-selling novels. Her 75 books have sold 4 million copies and also include the Glenbrooke series, Sierra Jensen series, and the Mrs. Rosey Posey children’s book series.
Born in Wisconsin, Robin lived on a dairy farm until her family moved to southern California where she grew up spending summers at Newport Beach with friends from her church youth group. After attending Biola University and Capernwray Bible School in Austria, Robin married Ross and spent the next two decades working together in youth ministry.
It was the young teens at Robin’s church who challenged her to write stories for them. She hadn’t thought much about being a writer, but took their request to heart and set her alarm for 3 am, three days a week. With two small children it was the only time she could find to write the first story about Christy Miller. After two years and ten rejections the novel Summer Promise was accepted for publication in 1988. Robin hasn’t stopped writing since.
Robin and her husband now live in Hawaii where Ross is a counselor and Robin continues to write to the sound of tropical birds chattering in the palm trees outside her window. Robin's awards include: three Christy awards for excellence in fiction, a Gold Medallion finalist, and the Mt. Hermon Writer of the Year award. Robin travels extensively and is a frequent key-note speaker at various events around the world.
“But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love.” Acts 20:24

Visit Robin's Website

2012 Packages
All rates are per person and include one night lodging, dinner, breakfast, Thursday program and Friday devotions.

Chesapeake Lodge
Rates begin at $74 per person. Bay view and suite surcharges apply.

Looking for a slightly different Retreat? Try our campground!
Log Cabins are now open all year with an extended season for Campsites and Rustic Cabins.

Log Cabin Rates: $84 per person, minimum occupancy of 4
Rustic Cabin Rates (available for June and October only): $74 per person, minimum occupancy of 4

*Please note that there is a minimum occupancy required for all cabins.

Register live online for Girls’ Night Out and A Day Off – click here.

Girls’ Night Out only (6:45 – 9:15pm): $35 per person, includes dinner and program.

Please call for Girls’ Night Out only reservations – 800.234.COVE (2683)

“Girls’ Night Out gave me an opportunity to rest, laugh and have fun!” ~ Stephanie, Newark, DE

“I had a great time of fellowship and a break from the kids!” ~ Corrie, Oley, PA

“It’s wonderful just to get some time away with other sisters in Christ in this busy world!” ~ Belinda, Lebanon, PA

Check in
Sports Pool and Hot Tub open
Optional Video
Dinner
Program
Sports Pool and Hot Tub open

Free time on the grounds to think, pray & process – stay as long as you like!

• Register Now!
• Get Directions and Weather
• Scholarship Information

• Staying at the Chesapeake Lodge
• Have Dietary Restrictions?
• Cancellation Policy