The lighting of the chalice during a Unitarian Universalist church service. Listen to the podcast in the player above or download it below. | Courtesy photo

This is the second in a series of podcasts about faith in eastern Idaho. Over the last six months, weve attended many different church services and spoken with members of different faiths to understand who they are and what they believe. Each episode in the six-part series will focus on a specific denomination and explore the history, culture and beliefs of the religion.

Thirty people gather at a small church on E Street in Idaho Falls. Its 10:30 on a Sunday morning.

A variety of people are in attendance. One young mother is there with her newborn baby, and theres another young couple in the pew several rows ahead. But most of the people are middle-aged.

Its a non-denominational service with progressive beliefs. Some members of the congregation believe in God and some dont. Some are gay and some are straight. But everyone is there for one purpose: to worship through words and music in their own way and on their own terms.

Welcome to Finding Faith, a podcast exploring the history, culture and beliefs of different denominations in eastern Idaho.

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In this episode, well take you inside a Unitarian Universalist church service. Members open up about their beliefs and explain why the faith has broad appeal. They also discuss the evolution of the faith over the years, and how it fosters love and acceptance for those inside and outside the church.

The Unitarian Universalist Church at 555 E Street in Idaho Falls. | Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com

If youd like your church/faith to be highlighted in a future episode, send an email to rett@eastidahonews.com.

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Finding Faith: The evolution of Unitarian Universalism, basic beliefs, and why it's a growing religion - East Idaho News