The mission of Pastoral Care Ministry is to be “Living Proof of a Loving God to a Watching World” by providing spiritual and emotional support and encouragement and ministerial assistance to the Sagemont Church family in times of confinement in an adult care facility or hospitalization or bereavement.
Sagemont Church family members…
- confined in an adult care facility are visited by a team of volunteers as schedules permit.
- who become hospitalized are visited and/or called by a minister and/or a volunteer almost daily.
- in times of bereavement can call upon a Sagemont Church minister to stand beside them in their hour of grief and assist with all the details of the funeral arrangements.
However, when any of these above mentioned situations occur, you must notify the Pastoral Care Ministry Office and inform us of all the particular details of your specific conditions and needs. Simply call 281-481-7146 and ask for Rex or Judi.
If we know, we go.
Animals have been recognized for years as being instrumental in the physical and emotional healing process of the elderly, those who are ill, or those who have had recent operations. Pet visits redirect a person’s attention from their boring daily routines, pain, and loneliness. During visits people are reminded of fond memories of pets they have had in the past. The pets they see on a regular basis can become a loving substitute for a pet they have had to give up.
An animal visit can be very entertaining, as pets perform tricks and welcome pats and hugs. This brings joy and laughter to those whom they visit and boosts overall morale, self-confidence, a sense of achievement, and self-esteem. Just the act of stroking a dog or cat can reduce a person’s blood pressure and lower their stress levels. Petting encourages the use of hands and arms, stimulating exercise and activity that helps circulation.
Son Light Pets began its ministry at Sagemont Church in August 2002. The requirements to become a member are to attend a workshop, have the pet tested for acceptable temperament, provide evidence of all required immunizations for the pet, and attend one visit without a pet in order to observe those with experience.
During one visit a lady with Alzheimer’s was introduced to an English Springer Spaniel named Misty. She smiled as she began to pet the dog. And then a long lost memory came to mind, and she laughed out loud as she cuddled the dog. The lady’s daughter was very moved and said it was the first time her mother had shown any emotion in months. Another lady was in the rehab room when the dogs were taken in to see her. She was not very cooperative in beginning her exercises. After she played with one of the dogs for a little while, she said “Okay, now I’m ready to work.”
The first time new volunteers see a lonely, forgotten person’s face light up with a big smile, it is easy to understand how God can use pets to show His love to others.
This could be the very ministry in which God is calling you to participate. Obedient pets are looking for pet owners obedient to God’s call. All who participate find they are an answer to prayer and the bright spot in some senior adult’s day.
For more information about the Son Light Pet Ministry, contact Beverly Hale at rhale53@sbcglobal.net or 281.992.3279; or pick up a Son Light Pet Ministry Brochure available in the foyers.
Requirements
The requirements for membership are:
- Attend New Volunteer Workshop
- Have pet tested for acceptable temperament
- Provide pet immunization records
- Attend one visit without a pet to observe those who have experience
- Make a commitment to attend one visit each month
Pet Temperament Test
During the test, pets are exposed to equipment and situations usually experienced at nursing homes. They could encounter a wheel chair, crutches, or a vacuum cleaner. They will be observed around other pets and with people they don't know. When the pets pass their test, they are rewarded with a treat, and are then ready to begin visits.
