A native of Scotland, Catriona Grant came to the United States 19 years ago as a research immunologist. Taking a turn in the road, Grant went to seminary and loves the intersection of science and faith and spirituality.

She has been pastor of Ledyard Congregational Church, United Church of Christ for three years. The congregation meets every Sunday, 9:30 a.m.

Say you have a present day high school locker. Whose picture would be hanging in it?

My Granny's.

What's your favorite sandwich?

Currently peanut butter and jelly, with homemade Concord grape jelly and crunchy peanut butter

What’s your favorite hymn?

"Be Still My Soul" to the tune of “Finlandia.” I could sing the phone book to “Finlandia” and be stirred.

What Bible verse or story first moved you?

"Seek, and ye shall find." (Matthew 7:7)

Name an item you can’t live without:

A good cuppa tea.

Item you should live without and keep meaning to get rid of:

The suitcase I brought when I came to this country 19 years ago. I may pass it on when I become an American citizen.

Last book you couldn’t put down:

"Widow of the South" by Robert Hicks. A novel based on real life characters and events from one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War in a little town in Tennessee.

Apart from your own church, of course, what's the most personally significant religious or spiritual site you've been to?

The Isle of Skye is a "thin place." An island off the west coast of Scotland where my family comes from. People who visit who have never been before say that they feel instantly at home there.

What’s a word you can never spell correctly on the first try:

It took me a long time to get "Connecticut" correct, and I still have to think about that first "t."

Let’s play preacher time machine. Which sermon would you liked to have been in the congregation for?

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech fifty years ago on the Mall in Washington, DC.

What’s the last TV show you binge-watched?

“Broadchurch”

Do you have any pet peeves?

Using the word "like" too much and having plates swiped away in a restaurant before everyone is finished.

Which is better: Saturday night or Sunday morning?

Sunday morning!

Sorbet or ice cream?

Ice cream

Soduku or crossword?

Neither. I greatly admire people who do crosswords, because my mind just doesn't work like that. And Soduku has never really grabbed me.

What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

A geologist. I used to collect stones in egg cartons.

What historical event would you like to have been witness to?

As mentioned, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom 50 years ago. I was fortunate to be at the commemoration in August, which was inspiring.

What is your favorite local place to recharge or find serenity?

The backyard, watching my chickens run around. They become ecstatic at the simplest things.

Whom alive today do you most admire?

Two people I love at either end of life  - my three year old nephew, Charlie, and my dear friend Elizabeth who is 103 years old, and like me came to this country from Scotland. They have similar spirits of life and curiosity, and enjoying the simple things.