On January 24, 1597, the Dutch defeated Spanish occupiers at the Battle of Turnhout. With the victory Dutch Protestants could worship more openly, and they celebrated their religious freedom by borrowing a folk tune and adding new words: “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing.” Years later Dutch immigrants would bring the favorite song to America, but it wasn’t until 1903 that it appeared in church hymnals. With the themes of gratitude and God’s protection, the hymn became associated with our holiday of Thanksgiving. Today, most Americans associate it with that November day. In fact, it is rare that we sing it in any other season.
Although the hymn has no specific scriptural reference, the first words, “we gather together,” reminds me of Psalm 133:1: “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” Gathering together in worship is one of the most important acts of the community of faith. In times of stress, persecution or even illness, we learn what a blessing it is to gather together. It’s a blessing that too often we take for granted.
On November 24, 2009, the Presbytery of Philadelphia will be gathering together hosted by the Ardmore Presbyterian Church. That date is two days before Thanksgiving which has inspired some good-natured grumbling. Nonetheless, we are blessed to host. We have a wonderful opportunity to gather together. It is the easiest occasion that many of us will have to participate with the 137 congregations of our presbytery. We will worship, enjoy a meal, share stories, and be a church about God’s mission in the world. We will also gather together to present Nan Clarke for ordination as a minister of Word and Sacrament for our congregation. We will also welcome Sara Hodsden as minister in the Philadelphia Presbytery.
This Thanksgiving, we have been blessed to gather together. If you would like to participate in the presbytery meeting, contact Catherine Schreiner, Anne Foote, or the church office. Let’s give God thanks, and let’s not let an opportunity slip away.
