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BY CHRISTINE KUMAR
UMCONNECTION STAFF

ROCK 2007 kicks off the New Year with additional space for youth to gather and develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

It is expected that a record-breaking crowd of more than 5,000 youth, young adults and their leaders from the Baltimore-Washington Conference will attend the weekend retreat January 19-21, at the Ocean City Convention Center.

'We are doing something brand new at ROCK' in 2007, said Tom Price, director of youth ministries at the Baltimore-Washington Conference. 'In the last few years it?s been challenging because we have run out of space and it pains me that we had to turn away hundreds of teens and their churches.'

Conference organizers hit on the idea of installing large projection screens and a professional sound system in the Convention Center?s main ballroom, which seats an additional 1,200 people. The area is dubbed 'The Upper Room,' and those who register specifically for the Upper Room will have free lunch on Saturday.

The theme 'Get off your island, Spread the word,' encourages young people to get out of their comfort zones and to be disciples of Christ.

'ROCK helps the young to develop their journey and it speaks their language,' said Jo Chesson, administrative assistant to Price. 'They relate to the music, peers and what we present to them.'Former NFL player Steve Fitzhugh, who played for the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns, will return by popular demand as the guest speaker.

Fitzhugh, spokesman for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes? 'One Way 2 Play ? Drug Free' program, will talk to teens about drugs and alcohol, in addition to other critical issues such as peer pressure and academic leadership.

The Christian musical group, Seventh Day Slumber, will perform songs that reflect how God saved the group?s front man, Joseph Rojas, from a $400-a-day cocaine addiction, a horrifying childhood and suicide.

One of the worship leaders will be 17-year-old singer and songwriter Leeland Mooring, who experienced the calling for his life when he was just a child and now devotes his music ministry to Christ.

Washington area Bishop John R. Schol will speak Saturday during ROCK about what it means to be disciples of Christ. An affirmation of new confirmands as a vital part of the Body of Christ will take place.

The event also offers a prayer room for reflection and prayers, a youth labyrinth, sales and ROCK shop, and youth will have an opportunity to display their banners.

'ROCK reinforces love from God. God wants each and every one of them,' Price said.

SIDEBAR:
ROCK begins at 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at the Ocean City Convention Center, and runs through noon on Sunday, Jan. 21. Registration begins at 7 p.m.