NORTHUMBERLAND - A Jew, a Muslim and a Christian walk into a house of worship.
Although this sounds like the beginning of a joke, it happens every Sunday at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Susquehanna Valley.
The "UUs," as they like to call themselves, invite people of all backgrounds to come together in their chapel to share their beliefs, even if their fellow parishioners disagree.
Ann Evans, minister, said attendees at services include Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Jews, agnostics, Faithists, Deists and other types of believers across the religious spectrum.
Lenore Askew, a founding member, described a UU's faith as based on "covenant, not creed."
"We make an agreement to support each other in our search for truth," she said.
Despite the convergence of many religious beliefs, Sunday morning services with the UUs is remarkably similar to a conventional church service. The congregation gathers before an altar to sing songs, share readings and hear sermons.
Unlike a conventional church service, the readings come from a variety of texts. A passage from the Bible may accompany the Sutras or the Vedas. Often the readings come from nontypical religious books that parishioners have found spiritually enlightening.
"We're fond of poets," said Evans.
Sharing
In contrast to a typical church, Evans only gives a sermon periodically. Instead, congregation members are encouraged to take the pulpit and describe their beliefs.
"We take advantage of the people in our congregation to share traditions," said Carl Askew, president of the congregation.
Congregation members are encouraged to join in conversations and classes to help uncover their own belief systems. The sharing of ideas spills over to church services, where the room is filled with conversation.
"We ring a bell to shut everyone up," said parishioner Marie Clark.
The UUs were adamant the different viewpoints didn't create conflicts between members.
"In my church experience, this is the least confrontational church I've ever been in," said Evans.
The exposure to other viewpoints makes UUs more open-minded, she said. "You say, 'Wow, I don't believe that,' but you like that person."
"Sometimes my husband and I go home and we'll say, 'I really don't agree with this,'" said Clark. "You might not agree with it, but it gets you thinking."
Same-sex marriage
One viewpoint that is welcomed at the church but not universally shared in other religions is same-sex marriage. Because UUs accept believers of all types, they reject the idea of preventing two people from marrying.
Evans received news coverage last summer when she officiated at the first same-sex marriage in Northumberland County. She credited the open-mindedness of UUs to allowing her to step up and perform the services when other religious leaders refused.
"Because we are a welcoming and affirming church, I didn't have to call anyone and ask for permission," she said. "These were congregational weddings where everyone was there and excited."
Started locally with Priestley
Even though the idea of all belief systems worshipping together may seem radical, Unitarian Universalism isn't a new concept. Joseph Priestley brought Unitarian Universalism to Northumberland County and constructed the Priestley Chapel, which still stands at 380 Front St.. The original parish declined until ceasing worship altogether in the early 1900s.
A parish re-formed in 1989 under the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Susquehanna Valley, meeting with just 12 people in the home of a member. That number increased steadily, and the parish moved back into the Priestley Chapel in 1992.
Membership kept growing, and soon the parish needed to find a new location. Today, the UUs occupy space in a commercial building at 265 Point Township Drive. The Priestley Chapel Group takes care of the chapel and the Priestley House.
Helping others
The parish boasts more than 125 members, with 55 children registered for Sunday school.
"We have some people who were looking for a religious community but they weren't necessarily traditional believers," said Carl Askew. The Sunday school class is especially popular because it welcomes children of a variety of backgrounds. Parents who come from conflicting religious backgrounds have said they found the Sunday school class a good compromise, said Clark.
"The marriage of two different religious - that's a big draw," she said.
By bringing people together, Evans said the congregation has been able to make great contributions to charity. In 2012, the parish sent more than $25,000 in supplies to Hurricane Sandy victims. They also choose one charity each quarter to receive the loose money from the collection plate.
"Working together on these projects is when they really get to know each other," said Evans.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Susquehanna Valley meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. All are welcome to attend.