Alternative Worship In The Liturgical Traditions

St. Gregory Nyssen Episcopal Church draws from the rich worship tradition of the entire church, particularly the Eastern tradition and from various cultures around the world. In addition to Word and sacrament, this worship emphasizes community, space, movement, silence and meditation, and social concern. Newcomers to St. Gregory Nyssen Episcopal Church in San Francisco, California (founded 1978), are often surprised to find diverse traditional sources supporting the worship of this contemporary American parish. The space seems exotically arranged with folk art from East and West; the congregation shares in much music, dance, and prayer from churches long divided. Yet this rich mixture feels authentic and joyous and welcomes each worshiper's progress in knowing and loving God. That progress was the passionate concern of Gregory Nyssen (Gregory of Nyssa), a fourth-century Greek bishop who wrote,"The one thing truly worthwhile is becoming God's friend. " Without implementing Gregory's l…