Roughly two months ago

to sing songs led by a band on stage, socialize over coffee and be inspired by speakers.

It looked like a church meeting, but the goal wasn't to teach or promote religious beliefs. It was simply to celebrate life. There was no mention of religion, except to specify that the service wasn't about religion.

On Sunday, Feb. 9, they'll do it again. And again, and again, every second Sunday of the month.

This congregation is the

. Sunday Assembly congregations have been popping up all over the United States, courtesy of Sanderson Jones, one of two British comedians who founded the now international organization. Jones went on tour in the fall, launching Sunday Assemblies in cities around the U.S., the United Kingdom and Australia.

Jones said the goal is to fill a niche. It's a service and community that has all the benefits of a church -- celebratory music, inspiring talks, a sense of community -- just without "the God bits."

Portland organizer Korin Scott Leman said the feedback after the launch, which was held at the Ambridge Event Center Dec. 10, was overwhelmingly positive. She said more than half of attendees who filled out comment cards volunteered to help.

"Not only do they support it, they want to contribute their time and energy," said the assembly's board member.

That volunteer spirit is essential to making the organization work, Leman said. Organizers hope to see a number of smaller groups within the congregation form to serve attendees and the larger community. Those groups could be anything from support groups to a team that provides semi-regular childcare for families to academic discussions.

"I see the monthly service as being a time when we can all come together to celebrate... and to be on the same page," she said. "It's what will bind us together."

The

will meet from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the second Sunday of every month, starting Feb. 9, at the Matt Dishman Community Center, located at 77 N.E. Knott St.

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-- Melissa Binder