Our library in Hewett Centre is open every Sunday after service during Coffee Hour in Hewett Centre, and our Library Team offers related reading lists based on the topic of the Sunday service. Here is their list for the upcoming service on “The Spiritual Practice of Sleep”, featuring Rev. Shawn Gauthier on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 11 a.m. All are welcome in Hewett Centre after the Sunday service to check out some books, and to have coffee and conversation.
VanU library books related to this Sunday’s sermon:
1. Daily Meditations for Calming Your Anxious Mind by Jefferey Brantley, 2008, 242.6 BRA
From LibraryThing: “Trying to control your anxious thoughts can backfire, making them more prevalent, not less. The best way to calm these common feelings is by attuning yourself to your thoughts in a nonjudgmental, attentive manner, acknowledging your anxieties but choosing to act rather than react. … a collection of more than sixty-four daily mindfulness-based meditations to help you engage with the present moment, manage stress and anxiety, and rediscover the joy in living. Each meditation contains an easy-to-learn visualization exercise, affirmation, or activity, with meditations grouped into four sections: relaxing and feeling safe, embracing joys and fears, befriending your anxious mind and body, and connecting to the web of life.”].
2. Healing and the Mind by Bill D. Moyers, 1993, 616 MOY
The Julian Fears Library. From LibraryThing, the book jacket: “Ancient medical science told us our minds and bodies are one. So did philosophers of old. Now, modern science and new research are helping us to understand these connections. … he discusses …: How do emotions translate into chemicals in our bodies? How do thoughts and feelings influence health? How can we collaborate with our bodies to encourage healing? …”.
3. Falling into the Sky: A Meditation Anthology, edited by Abhi Janamanchi and Abhimanyu Janamanchi, 2013, 242 JAN
Published by Skinner House Books. From LibraryThing, a review by uufnn: “Each meditation provides a personal insight into the workings of the inner self and how we might be able to accede to a realm where calm has replaced busy-ness, peace has overcome anxiety, and compassion has delivered the soul from selfishness.”.
4. How Sleep Found Tabitha by Maggie de Vries and Sheena Lott, 2002, JFIC DEV
Co-written by VanU member Maggie de Vries. From LibraryThing: “Tabitha can’t sleep! One by one, the things she cherishes offer to help her. Lott’s watercolours and de Vries’s poetic text make this the perfect bedtime story”.
5. The Time Before Dreams by Stefan Czernecki and Timothy Rhodes, 1990, J+ CZE
Gift of Lucy Stewart. From LibraryThing: “How did humans begin to dream? This children’s book from Mexico offers an interesting explanation involving a monstrous black butterfly, jungle animals and a quick-witted shaman who knows all the best spells.”.