God and the Brain  Other News Highlights Rector's Desk: Annual Report Saturday Eucharist Christian Education Wednesdays in Lent Bible Study Music for Lent and Easter Covenant to Care House of Talents Lay Readers & Chalicers Steven Horst continues his Adult Forum this Sunday (March 7) on the psychology and neuroscience of religion, a topic that he has received grants from Oxford University and the Templeton Foundation to research and lecture on this year.  The title of this session is "Cognitive Psychology of Religion."  Every culture has some form of religion, and most involve beliefs in things like God or gods, spirits, angels, demons, or ghosts. Why do these ideas of things that cannot be seen, heard or touched with the senses come so naturally to the human mind? Join us for a discussion of some theories of the development of religious beliefs and concepts from contemporary cognitive psychology. The Adult Forum offers discussions on a wide variety of issues of interest to people of faith. The group meets at 9:00 a.m. most Sundays in the chapel. Upcoming Children's Education Classes This spring is full of exciting Sunday School events we hope the children will enjoy! We have a lot going on during Lent and the Easter season.  In March, Children’s Fellowship will begin a two-part series on King David. We’ll read and learn about David’s childhood on March 7. (On April 11 we’ll talk about David’s life as a king.)  On March 14, the Sunday School will host the coffee hour after the 10:15 AM service in order to give the children experience “serving” our church. During Sunday School on March 14, the children will make some treats to serve to the congregation after church. However, we also ask that Sunday School parents supplement our treats by bringing in a few food items of their own. More information and reminders will come home with the children during March. For Palm Sunday (March 28th) we have a big day planned. First, the children will carry banners and help lead the procession with palms. After receiving the palms, we’ll head downstairs to have a small play with costumes and palms to re-enact Jesus’ return to Jerusalem. Finally we’ll have a “Resurrection” Easter Egg Hunt for the children. This is lots of fun for everyone. Please be sure to join us! All children are welcome! Return Wednesdays in Lent Lenten services and luncheons will continue at 12:10 PM each Wednesday through Lent at the following locations: March 10 - South Congregational March 17 - Cross St. AME Zion March 24 - St. Paul Lutheran Return Bible Study The Rev. Steve Ling will lead a 14-week Bible study of the Gospel of Matthew on Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Trinity Church Portland starting March 4 .  Steve writes:  "Over those 14 Thursdays you will be asked to think about the general questions, "What is my history?", "What was Jesus’ history?"  You will be asked to think about what God has done for you, and what you have done for God.  We will ask the same question today as was asked in the first century Church:  Do we focus on what sets us apart, or what holds us together?  Matthew talks about the church as the Kingdom of God and how we are called to live in the world to serve Christ and others with humility and forgiveness.  In Jesus there is a new community at work for the blessing of the world.  What does that mean in our world today, and in our lives?  We will begin each week with a light supper followed by our study.  Please bring a Bible and something to write with and write on to each session.  It will be helpful if you read the entire Gospel of Matthew before the first session on March 4.  This is an overview reading where you try to get familiar with the Gospel and look for themes and people that appear, and reappear.  Please call the church office at 860-347-2591 to sign up so that I can prepare materials and dinner for our first meeting. -- Steve Ling Return Music for Lent and Easter The thirty-sixth annual presentation of Music for Lent and Easter will be given by the New England Chamber Choir and Instrumental Ensemble, Richard Wm. Donohue, conductor, on Sunday, March 21, at 4:00 PM at the Church of the Holy Trinity.  Music featured will be by Donohue, Duruflé, Handel and Sorokin.  Donations will be accepted.  Following the concert there will be a reception in the chapel.  Mark your calendars! Return Covenant to Care I am once again collecting books for our Covenant to Care children.  The children’s ages vary from toddler to high school.  Any and all books are welcome, including activity books (i.e., word puzzles, Sudoku, crossword), coloring books and crayons, journals and paperback novels for young readers.  Use your imagination and buy what you think will be interesting.  Maybe a packet of seeds and a gardening book, or a “how to” book on scrapbooking with some supplies, or a counting book for a preschooler.  All contributions will have a positive effect on a young mind.  Please have your donations to the church by March 26.  Call me if I may be of assistance (evenings, 860-349-3659).  Thank you. -- Sandy Wade Return House of Talents A group of retired women get together at Holy Trinity in the choir/sewing room on Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This special organization has been in existence for the past 48 years. Believe it or not the originator, Anne Ross, is still active in the group. The Thursday meetings are fun with great fellowship, and constructive work is being done. The women create the now famous ABC wall charts for children, as well as other items. You do not need to sew; there are many different tasks in making the charts. Your help would be welcomed.   This past year the group raised enough money to give $200 to Amazing Grace for food, $100 to the Children’s Home and $1500 to the church.  Please call the office to order, or Sharon Sheedy (860-346-7937), Ruth Hubbard (860-632-0525) or Ann Ross (860-347-4348). There are many colors to choose from. The cost is $30 each. (The ABC charts can be mailed anywhere for an additional postage charge of $6.00.) Return

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