Worship Chattanooga tonight in Hixson

More than 100 area churches will be represented tonight when members of Abba’s House open their church doors for Worship Chattanooga.

This marks the sixth annual worship experience, which unites people from many races and denominations to pray for their city and praise the Lord.

“This year’s theme is ‘God in a City,’ and we’re going to make declarations over the city where we’ll pray in specific areas,” said Beth Trussell, executive director of sponsoring Nehemiah Project.

“We’re going to be praying for our schools and our elected officials. There will also be videotaped messages of pastors at locations around the city. An example is one taped at Enterprise South, where we’ll pray for God to bring jobs and income to boost the economy of the city.”

Trussell said the evening is filled with Scripture reading and a variety of praise music. Members of 40 churches have been rehearsing for the past month in the 250-voice mass choir. The mass choir is directed by Marcellus Barnes of Mount Canaan Baptist Church and Sarah Williams of East Lake Church of God.

Vision2Here, a dance and drama team of young people from several churches will perform, as will Wings of Worship dance ensemble from Covenant Life Worship Center in Chickamauga, Ga., said Trussell. One of the most unusual performances of the evening will be a mime act presented by Virtue, an ensemble led by Eric McKenzie.

There will be no sermon given, but David Parker will share the vision of the Nehemiah Project. Trussell said a love offering will be taken, and all donations will help fund backpacks and school supplies for children in need.

“Last fall, Nehemiah Project gave out 3,200 backpacks,” she said. “We have given out 32,000 backpacks in seven years.”

IF YOU GO

What: Worship Chattanooga ’09.

When: 7 tonight, doors open at 6:30 p.m.; all seating general admission.

Where: Abba’s House (Central Baptist Church), 5208 Hixson Pike.

Admission: Free, but love offering taken.

Phone: 355-4093, 877-6462.