Bonus Poem: Hymn in the wake of Houston's Hurricane Harvey

We Gather Together (Southeast Texas, Florida and the Caribbean, 2017)

KREMSER

 Scott L. Barton, 2017                Nederlandtsch Gedenckclanck, 1626

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing

On those who have hastened, God's will to make known,

Who rescued the stranger from rising water's danger,

Sing praises to the Lord, when such kindness is shown.

Beside us, to guide us, our God with us joining,

When neighbors, and shelters were found high and dry;

The waters all rising, the saints mobilizing,

Revealing by our lives that our Lord is still nigh.

We all do extol you, and pray for your comfort

On all who have lost homes, or loved ones so dear;

May thy congregation renew dedication

So love for all our neighbors will make your way clear.

Now send us, your people, to be the disciples

Of Christ who has calmed both the wind and the waves;

By water we enter, each day we remember

That you are by our side, 'till the end of our days.

The hymn borrows phrases from the 17th century folk hymn written during Holland’s struggle for independence. It is dedicated to and inspired by the Kingwood, Texas Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and their members, and Dr. Patel of F.E.M.A. Permission given to use freely.