Two very inspiring “Night of Worship” events entitled, “At the Cross” were presented by Katharine (Carlson) Moody, the Praise Band, and friends this past Saturday and Sunday evening, September 10th and 11th at Dillon First Baptist Church. Accompanying Katharine were band members which included, Mike Arnette, drums, Steve Hamilton, bass guitar, Daniel Khalil, rhythm and lead guitar, and Michael Sapp, rhythm/lead guitar and vocals.  The Praise Singers consisted of Becky Freel, Ashlyn Hatcher, Carl Smith, Crissie Smith, and Jon Whisnand.  Special friends accompanying Katharine on selected songs were John Bryant on guitar and Hannah Johnson on vocals.  The technical support team for the concerts were Drew Massengale, audio; George Hatcher, lighting; Sarah Stubbs and Grace Haynes, media.  Benton Henry was the event photographer.
Everyone attending each night eagerly anticipated the beginning of the concert, which began with an opening video to set the mood entitled, “Hope Is Here”.  The video expressed the reality that hope is the one thing we can’t live without and that someone is standing in our corner for us and with us.  Hope is a person and His name is Jesus.
Katharine’s opening song entitled, “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)” gave emphasis to the worship theme.  After welcoming the congregation, introducing the band and those participating in the concert both on the stage and behind the scenes, Katharine led in a prayer.  As those in attendance stood the band began the music to the song, “Alive in Us”, which is exciting and up-tempo and celebrates God’s love for everyone; that He arose from death to victory, and that He reigns in the lives of every believer.  Throughout the evening Katharine shared with the congregation from her own life’s experiences including her zest for life and her passion to live for Christ. On the next song members of the praise team joined Katharine in singing “Lead Me to the Cross”.  Becky Freel sang the solo on the verses and was joined by members of the praise team on the choruses. On the song, “This I Believe,” Katharine was joined by Michael Sapp on vocals. Next a video was presented entitled, “What Do You Live For?”  In the video, this question was posed to randomly selected people in a large city.  The majority of those being interviewed did not have a definitive answer to this question.  Katharine’s challenge to everyone was that in the light of eternity, we need to be sure that our aspirations and goals actually match what we are living for.   Following the video, Katharine and Michael Sapp sang a song entitled, “Scandal of Grace”.  The lyrics point us to what Jesus’s death on the cross has accomplished for those who believe; we receive His grace, forgiveness, cleansing from sin, His love, His joy, and His life;  and that our goal is to know Him and to be like Him.  Next, an a cappella version of the song, “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” was sung by Katharine, Becky Freel, Crissie Smith, and Ashlyn Hatcher.  Following that, the song, “Worthy Is the Lamb” was sung as a duet by Katharine and Ashlyn.  As an added element, a youth ensemble comprised of Chloe Dove, Katelynn Huth, Katie Bracey, Cade Williams, and Nizeyimana Aristide beautifully signed and performed interpretive movement to the song.  Afterwards, Hannah Johnson joined Katharine to lead the congregation in a moving rendition of the familiar gospel hymn, “I Need Thee Every Hour”.  What followed was a powerful song of hope and promise, entitled, “Forever” was sung as Crissie Smith sang the solo at the beginning and was joined by Katharine and the Praise Singers.  Moving the concert to its focal point, Katharine then sang Nichole Nordeman’s “Why” to a video in which a depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus was portrayed.  This song drove home the reason why the Cross of Christ is so central to Christianity and all mankind.  The answer is found in God’s Word as John 3:16 tells us:  “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life.” In closing out the “Night of Worship”, Katharine sang, “Sweetly Broken” accompanied by John Bryant.  Michael Sapp sang the song, “God With Us” and the band and praise team ended the evening by leading the congregation in “Jesus Paid It All (O Praise the One).”  Pastor Dickie Cullum closed the concert with prayer before the a cappella closing chorus, “Singing how marvelous, how wonderful, and my song shall ever be.  How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior’s love for me.”
All those attending the concerts were truly inspired and encouraged in the their walk with Christ as  Katharine used her God-given abilities to sing, play the piano, and share from her heart as she pointed all the attention to the Cross of Christ and encouraged all to live to glory of God.