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 sacrif...