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Rosemary Atkinson believes you need a break.

In fact, she believes everyone needs a chance to refresh, renew, reclaim and reflect on their spiritual lives, and she is working to make sure they get one.

Atkinson is events coordinator for FaithFest, a weekend retreat for adults sponsored by the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

FaithFest will be held Feb. 11-13 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va.

The guest preacher will be the Rev. Duane Anders, superintendent of the Dayton North District in Ohio and pastor of Stillwater UMC, a 3,000 member church. Anders served as a deacon in the Baltimore-Washington Conference and is now considered a visionary in the denomination, said the Rev. Ed DeLong, associate council director.

' I'm a big picture person,' Anders said. 'I am passionate about churches that attempt to do new things, about new church starts, about redevelopment of churches and, of course, about Jesus.'

The musical group Choir Boyz, a Baltimore-born and raised gospel quintet, will provide music for the weekend. More than 16 'interactive spiritual experiences' will be offered, ranging from bread baking, pottery, aerobics and cross making, to quilting, drama, liturgical dance and sandal making.

People can join in devotions at sunrise, and they can choose in the afternoon to shop at the nearby mall, meditate while they walk through the labyrinth or go see a play.

' This is about meeting people at their point of spiritual need,' Atkinson said. The theme is 'Come for a weekend of R&R.' That can mean 'reclaim, rejoice, revive, relax, redeem, rest, reflect, recreate and recharge.'

The weekend will also stress the renewing of relationships, said Atkinson, who encourages people to share the experience with those they love. 'It is Valentine's Day weekend,' she pointed out.

Planning the event has already reenergized Atkinson, who retired from working in the Baltimore City mayor's office in 1999. A member of New Waverly UMC, she finds satisfaction in being able to serve others. 'I used to do it for the government; now I do it for the Lord,' she said.

The first FaithFest, held last February in Ocean City, drew 600 people. Atkinson is planning for close to 1,200 at this event. The impact was that profound, she said.

'The world we live in today is jam-packed full. We are all caught up in doing what we think is important. But weekends like this allow us to step back and see what's really important,' Atkinson said. 'Prayer and relationships are important.'

Those who wish to register for FaithFest can contact Atkinson at (410) 290-7309 or . A registration form is also available online at bwcumc.org.

The regular per person cost, which includes lodging and registration and should be paid by Jan. 8, is $290 for a single room, $180 for a double, and $125 for a triple or quad. But people who register by Dec. 15 can get a $10 discount on all rates. Parking is $7 a day.

' This is an opportunity to reclaim your faith and renew your life,' Atkinson said. 'Who doesn't need that?'