Kingdom Ecosystem Newsletter

Message from Brian:

Here in Sacramento there is a vibrant ecosystem of Kingdom expressions. God is doing far more than any one of us will ever know. Yet, the more we do know about this ecosystem of which we are a part, the more we can understand it, connect with one another and be effective as participants in the coming of Christ’s Kingdom. Each month, this newsletter will offer a glimpse into that ecosystem. 

Learn more about the heart and purpose behind this newsletter here.

Ministry Spotlight

Artisan Mind - Enriching Lives Through Art

Alzheimer’s often steals memories, but Artisan Mind gives back dignity through creativity. In programs where participants make and enjoy art, joy is sparked and God-given worth is affirmed. Serving those with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive challenges, they help families and churches see loved ones through the eyes of Christ. 

Artisan Mind is led by Executive Director Tiffany Ramirez and has 3 additional Specialists serving 18 senior care campuses throughout Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer counties. They are funded by fees for services, grants, churches and donors.

 Tiffany shared, "Through the arts, I’ve seen hearts awaken and light return to eyes that were once dimmed by memory loss. Please pray that our work continues to awaken hope, restore dignity, and remind each soul that they are deeply loved." 

The Leadership Connection (TLC) is a professionally facilitated peer group of Christian Executive Directors who meet monthly for sustainable health, growth and fruitfulness of the leader and the organization. TLC is an international organization with three different groups in Sacramento led by Eric Bergen. 

In his reflection from this month, Eric expressed, "Seeing leaders encourage one another - sharing ideas, concerns, and successes - fills me with joy. It's a glimpse of God's Kingdom at work. Please pray that more ministry leaders would make space to receive this kind of support and connection with one another."

Beneath the Capitol’s soaring dome lies ground once nurtured by the Sisters of Mercy. Before it became our Capitol, five sisters from this Catholic order purchased the plot in 1857 into a school and clinic serving the city’s sick, poor, and homeless—people often forgotten in the wake of the Gold Rush and a deadly cholera outbreak. They later sold that prized land to the state, and from there, the Sisters went on to found hospitals (now Dignity Health) and schools across the region.

A statue on the Capitol grounds preserves their memory: the founding Sister holds a lamp—the light of the gospel—while another comforts a mother and child. Their mercy became part of our city’s very foundation, and its legacy continues to inspire.

At Love Matters Most, our greatest asset has always been our stories—real accounts of lives being changed in Kenya. But for a long time, those stories were getting lost in endless WhatsApp threads and scattered emails.

With the help of Nick at Cause Culture, we set up a simple system using AI tools, Gmail tags, and a shared Google spreadsheet. Now, when our Kenya team emails impact stories, AI automatically refines the writing, organizes the content, saves images to Google Drive, and adds everything to a searchable story bank.

Nothing gets lost anymore—and every story is ready to share. It’s not about replacing our creativity, but removing friction so more stories of hope can be told.

We are excited to share stories that matter about our Sacramento region’s spiritual legacy and things that have had a significant and direct impact on the Church. Have an idea? Please send it our way at sacramento@barnabasgroup.org.