Resources

TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP.

In our fast paced and increasingly chaotic world, the wellbeing of our souls are often neglected. But Bremerton UMC believes that our souls deserve to be cared for—we believe that our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being is an essential part of God’s plan for humanity. God’s desire for human flourishing is found in every part of the Bible, and so we look to these ancient stories, poems, and letters to guide our unique journeys towards greater self understanding and personal transformation.

In “Soulcare: Help for Heavy Times,” our worship services and engaging messages are designed to bring healing and support to your weekly rhythm. Each Sunday gathering is built around finding community, raising awareness about mental health conditions and needs, and growing in faith together–no matter your life experience or current situation. Every week, we’ll discover how to navigate the challenges of our culture with compassion, and how God is with us every step of the way.

For more information about the topics that we will cover and for additional support options in our local community, use the resources and links below. To connect with a member of our pastoral team for emergency or ongoing care, click here.

Does God See Me?: How God Meets Us in the Center of Our Trauma Healing Journey - Dieula Previlon

  • Summary: In Does God See Me?, women of all backgrounds, with a special resonance for Black women and women of color, will discover a safe space to find their voice, receive healing, and walk toward transformation. Through her professional expertise in trauma recovery, the biblical story of Hagar, and the lived experience of her own painful stories, Dieula Magalie Previlon delivers a message of unshakeable hope.

Break the Cycle: Healing from Intergenerational Trauma - Dr. Mariel Buque

  • Summary: The definitive, paradigm-shifting guide to healing intergenerational trauma—weaving together scientific research with practical exercises and stories from the therapy room—from Dr. Mariel Buqué, PhD, a Columbia University–trained trauma-informed psychologist and practitioner of holistic healing

The Pain We Carry: Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color - Natalie Y. Gutierrez

  • Summary: In The Pain We Carry, you’ll find powerful tools to help you understand and begin healing from repeated trauma. You’ll discover ways to feel safer in your body, build self-compassion and resilience, and reclaim your health and wellness by reconnecting with your sense of self and your ancestral wisdom.

Fear Gone Wild: A Story of Mental Illness, Suicide and Hope Through Loss - Kayla Stoecklein

  • Summary: On August 25, 2018, Kayla Stoecklein lost her husband, Andrew--megachurch pastor of Inland Hills Church in Chino, California--to suicide. In the wake of the tragedy, she embarked on a brave journey to better understand his harrowing battle with mental illness and, ultimately, to overcome the stigma of suicide.

Not Forsaken: A Story of Life After Abuse - Jennifer Michelle Greenberg

  • Summary: Jenn Greenberg was abused by her church-going father. Yet she is still a Christian. In this courageous, compelling book, she reflects on how God brought life and hope in the darkest of situations. Jenn shows how the gospel enables survivors to navigate issues of guilt, forgiveness, love, and value. And she challenges church leaders to protect the vulnerable among their congregations.

Holy Ghosted: Spiritual Anxiety, Religious Trauma, and the Language of Abuse - Tiffany Yecke Brooks

  • Summary: Are you questioning the church of your upbringing but want to maintain your faith? Do you want to cut ties with your denomination, but fear abandonment by God? Are you struggling with spiritual anxiety—fear of hell, obsessive religious ritual, or feelings of never measuring up? Tiffany Yecke Brooks first explored reconstructing faith in Gaslighted by God. In this much needed follow-up, she equips readers to understand and name tactics of spiritual abuse and manipulation. Each chapter covers a different method of control found in toxic religious communities—including legalism, indoctrination, praise, and fear—and how to identify and respond to it in a healthy way. Brooks also reframes scriptural passages commonly weaponized by those in power.  

Addiction and Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions - Gerald G. May

  • Summary: Addiction and Grace offers an inspiring and hope–filled vision for those who desire to explore the mystery of who and what they really are. May examines the "processes of attachment" that lead to addiction and describes the relationship between addiction and spiritual awareness. He also details the various addictions from which we can suffer, not only to substances like alcohol and drugs, but to work, sex, performance, responsibility, and intimacy.

Once I Was Very Very Scared - Chandra Ghosh Ippen

  • Summary: Squirrel bravely announces that he was once very, very scared. To his surprise, he finds that he's not alone. The other animals have also experienced frightening situations, each responding in their own unique way. With the help of a caring porcupine as well as other adults in their lives, they learn to cope with their emotions and find safety and comfort. Through supportive guidance, they discover that their reactions are understandable and learn ways to work through their fear.

Addie's Mom Isn't Home Anymore: Addiction is Scary, Especially When You Don't Know What It Is - Genia Calvin

  • Summary: Addie's story is one of courage, trust, and learning to overcome fear to help someone you love, and is designed to help guide parents, guardians, and professionals through the process of educating children about addiction.

My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes - The International Center for Assault Prevention

  • Summary: My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes is an educational tool to help instill confidence in children when it comes to their bodies. The narrative of the story is led by a girl named Clara, who encourages kids to say “no” if they are uncomfortable with physical contact. The narrator gives readers tips about what they can say or do to avoid unwanted physical contact, or how to tell the right people in the event it has already occurred.

When a Friend Dies: A Book for Teens About Grieving and Healing - Marilyn E. Gootman

  • Summary: The death of a friend is a wrenching event for anyone at any age and can spark feelings that range from sadness to guilt to anxiety. Teenagers especially need help coping with grief and loss. This sensitive book answers questions grieving teens often have, like “How should I be acting?” “How long will this last?” and “What if I can’t handle my grief on my own?” The book also addresses the complicated emotions that can accompany the death of an acquaintance, as opposed to a close friend. The advice is gentle, non-preachy, and compassionate; recommended for parents and teachers of teens who have experienced a painful loss.

Why?: A Story for Kids Who Have Lost a Parent to Suicide - Melissa Allen Heath

  • Summary: In developmentally appropriate language and evocative illustrations, this picture book helps open communication about why a parent completes suicide. A reader’s note offers more information about supporting children who have lost a parent to suicide.

Sometimes we need assistance beyond what we are able to read or listen to, so we have listed a few local organizations below who specialize in mental health and wellness. Learn more by clicking a selected organization below!

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Book Resources - Kids:


Podcast Episodes:

Book Resources - Adults:

Book Resources - Kids:

Podcast Episodes:

Book Resources - Adults:

Book Resources - Kids:

Podcast Episodes:

 

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital immediately. To reach mental health professionals at any hour of the day or night, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: simply dial 988 to access free, confidential care.