First and foremost, thank you for your faithful partnership with the Union Gospel Mission. It is with a full heart and love for this Mission that I share some exciting news about UGM Sacramento’s future.
After serving as the Executive Director for the past 19 years, I have made the decision to embark on a new chapter in my life. I will be retiring from my position at UGM Sacramento in January 2025.
I am deeply honored to be part of a Gospel-centered Mission and community dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of our homeless and impoverished neighbors with their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Serving you and all those who have walked through our doors as Executive Director has been a privilege I will always cherish.
Because of you, our faithful donors, volunteers, and staff, the Mission has experienced significant growth, now serving over 9,000 meals monthly and providing shelter to 88 men each night.
Men and women are given essential services such as food, clothing, showers, mail service, haircuts, and more every day of the year. Church groups from the greater Sacramento area preach the Gospel and serve dinner every night. The Men’s New Life Program, a 10-month, residential, Gospel-centered curriculum, serves 24 men at no cost, equipping them for a new life in Christ and with job readiness and transitional housing. The Women’s New Life Ministry is expanding to meet the rising need for support among homeless and impoverished women and their children. Additionally, we are active in the community, providing food boxes to families and seniors in need.
After many months of thoughtful deliberation and prayer, the Board is pleased to announce the selection of Pastor Robert Briggs as the next Executive Director of UGM Sacramento. Since 2023, I have been working with Robert diligently to prepare for this significant transition. I am convinced his experience and dedication make him an ideal leader for this important role.
Pastor Robert has a passion for serving people in need. He comes to UGM with 21 years of serving at Immanuel Baptist Church and various ministries in the city of Sacramento. He has been a Board Member since 2023 and his involvement with UGM stretches back some 19 years. He taught classes in the New Life Program and preached at Friday chapel and on weekdays. His church regularly serves at UGM’s evening services.
Pastor Robert Briggs was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and attended Queen’s University, Belfast, in Northern Ireland, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity in 1992. He also holds a postgraduate ThM degree from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He served as a pastor in Northern Ireland from 1992-2003. Robert and Elaine have been married since 1992, and they have four adult children and one grandchild. Since 2014, Robert has had the privilege of serving as the Chaplain for Sacramento Republic FC and still holds this position today.
In January 2025, I will move to an advisory role and serve as a Board Member. Please join me in welcoming Robert. I am confident that he will lead UGMSAC into a hope-filled future full of new opportunities and growth. As we move forward, we will keep you informed and share key developments along the way.
May God bless you as we continue our vital mission to bring everlasting hope and healing through the transforming power of the Gospel to the least, the last, and the lost now and for many more years to come.
With much gratitude, Pastor Tim Lane, Executive Director
