The Gathering serves as the third and final album in the City on a Hill series. Released by Essential Records on September 23, 2003, the album remains true to the collection's theme of community. However, it does depart from the series' focus on the church's love for God. Instead, co-producer
Steve Hindalong says it communicates that "the way we love each other is the way we show our love for God."
True to the musical legacy of City on a Hill: Songs of Worship and Praise and City on a Hill: Sing Alleluia, The Gathering includes a strong collection of artists such as
Ginny Owens,
Jars of Clay,
Sara Groves,
Bebo Norman, and
Sixpence None the Richer. Musically, it is a combination of pop, folk, and ethereal sounds. Definite highlights are
Andrew Peterson's "Holy Is the Lord" and
Owens and
GlassByrd's "We Will Trust You." Piano-carried, "Holy Is the Lord" is a lyrically moving description of Abraham's obedience to God in offering Isaac as a sacrifice. Songwriters
Peterson and Ben Shive paint an intimate picture of Abraham's love and obedience to God at any cost, while tenderly describing Abraham's relationship with Isaac. "We Will Trust You" serves to reinforce the lyrics of "Holy Is the Lord," while offering a beautiful blend of voices in the shared vocals of
Owens and
GlassByrd. There isn't too much that distinguishes The Gathering from the other two albums in the series. So for listeners who are looking for consistency in sound, The Gathering does not disappoint. ~ Ashleigh Kittle Slater