On Sunday, November 23, the Sanctuary Choir will sing the timeless tune “Simple Gifts” as part of our Thanksgiving Service. This well-loved song comes from the Shakers - a group known for their quest to live out their faith as purely and simply as possible.

The Shakers, or “Shaking Quakers,” were part of a wave of religious communities in the early 1800s that tried to create utopias on American soil. Like the Harmonists, Zoarists, and the communities at Oneida and Ephrata, they wanted their daily lives to reflect their highest ideals. For the Shakers, that meant equality between men and women, communal living, and - crucially - simplicity in all things.

Music and dance were central to Shaker worship. Their gatherings were lively, full of singing, rhythmic marching, and a signature spinning dance called the “quick dance.” These weren’t just performances - they believed such movements could cast out evil and bring them closer to God. It was during this era of spiritual fervor, in 1848, that Elder Joseph Brackett composed “Simple Gifts” at the Shaker community in Maine, inspired by what the Shakers called “gift songs” - melodies and words received in visions or dreams, often believed to come from Mother Ann (the Shakers’ founder), angels, or other spiritual beings.

The lyrics - "'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free…” - capture the heart of Shaker theology. Simplicity wasn’t just a style; it was a holy calling. The Shakers saw every aspect of life, from their architecture to their furniture, as an opportunity to honor God through humble workmanship and honest design. Their buildings and furnishings, still admired today for their clean lines and practical beauty, were the physical expression of the same ideal “Simple Gifts” celebrates: that true richness lies in living simply and gratefully.

Though “Simple Gifts” began as a dance tune for a small religious group, its message has traveled far. It’s been embraced by countless Americans, especially after famous composer Aaron Copland wove its melody into his 1944 ballet “Appalachian Spring,” introducing it to a whole new audience.

So as the choir sings “Simple Gifts,” remember: as we’re joining hands with generations of seekers who believe that in simplicity, freedom, and gratitude, we can find the presence of God.