The Buddha didn’t awaken because he had all the answers. He awakened because he was willing to ask the questions—especially the uncomfortable ones—and to stay with them long enough for truth to emerge. Join us on this journey of inner discovery.
This Sunday will also be our annual Flower Communion ritual. Be sure to bring a flower to the service, and you can go home with a different flower.
“Awakening the Buddha Within”
Rev. George Grimm-Howell
May 17, 2026
Chiming of the Singing Bowl Ron Ingraham
Words of Welcome and Announcements Ron Ingraham
Prelude – “Prelude No. 3” Melissa Meghdadi
Catherine Rollin
Chalice Lighting and Call to Worship Rev. George Grimm-Howell
Michelle LaGrave
Flower Communion Story Rev. George Grimm-Howell
Teresa Schwartz and David Schwartz, adapted
Flower Communion Blessing Ron Ingraham, The Congregation
Amy Zucker Morgenstern
Singing – Centering Hymn* The Congregation
#1009 “Meditation on Breathing”
Time for All Ages – “Brave Parrot and Curious Deva” John Runkel
A Jataka Tale from India by Rafe Martin, adapted
Singing the Children Out The Congregation
#414 “As We Leave This Friendly Place”
Stones of Joys and Sorrows Ron Ingraham
Prayer and Meditation Rev. George Grimm-Howell
Shantideva, 8th Century
Reading – “The Four Passing Sights” Ron Ingraham
Choral Anthem – “Imagine” UUFH Choir; Janey Ryan, Director
John Lennon, arr. Jay Althouse
Sermon – “Awakening the Buddha Within” Rev. George Grimm-Howell
Invitation to the Offering Ron Ingraham
Offertory – “Spirit of Life” Melissa Meghdadi
Carolyn McDade, arr. Elizabeth Alexander
Dedication of the Offering (in unison) The Congregation
To the work of this congregation,
which is weaving a tapestry of love and action,
we dedicate our offerings and the best of who we are.
Singing – Closing Hymn* The Congregation
#1031 “Filled with Loving Kindness”
Benediction* Rev. George Grimm-Howell
Ancient Tibetan Buddhist Prayer
Postlude – “Beautiful City” from “Godspell” Joff Masukawa and Melissa Meghdadi
Stephen Schwartz *Please rise in body or spirit.
