Category: Stay Connected

Don Mason served faithfully as an elder in GCI since his ordination in 1970. He pastored both the Raleigh and Wilson, NC congregations from 1987 – 2007. He continued serving the members in Wilson, NC until his retirement in 2021. The following is the obituary provided by his family.

Donald Edgar Mason died peacefully on October 26, 2023. He was born February 13, 1941, in Houston Texas to Edgar and Lois Mason. Don graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in 1959 and immediately traveled to New London, CT for Naval Submarine training. While in the Navy, he was able to take courses at the University of Houston. Upon discharge in 1964, he transferred to Ambassador College where he met and married his lifelong sweetheart, Geraldine Mason.

After graduation in 1969, they moved to Evansville, Indiana; in 1970 he was ordained into the ministry of Jesus Christ. Over the next 52 years, he served seven congregations in Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and North Carolina. He retired from the ministry of Grace Communion International in October 2021. He is survived by his wife, Geri, his daughter, Elizabeth, and his sons, Derek and Dustin, and Dustin’s wife, Megan.

Dear Family,

On behalf of GC San Leandro, here’s a big thank you to all who came and celebrated with us on Sunday, November 12. As we gathered for the congregation’s final service, with “old” friends from far and wide, it really felt like a big family reunion. We sang old songs, viewed old pictures, listened to inspiring messages, and enjoyed great food and laughter. And the words of our first hymn came to life, “how good and how pleasant for brethren to dwell in unity.”

We give praise to our triune God for giving us this time to celebrate the many relationships we’ve enjoyed through the years. We can only imagine how great our reunion will be in the fullness of God’s kingdom. Until then, let us enjoy each day as we journey through the next chapter of our history—living and sharing the gospel to everyone.

For the video of the full service and celebration, click here.

With love and appreciation,
Jun and Yolly Caranto
San Leandro, CA, US

One aspect of my role as editor of Update is to recruit people to contribute stories. I attempt to engage contributors from a diverse range of backgrounds, ages, and locations. Yet one of the common responses I receive is, “oh, I’m not a writer.”

It reminds of when someone says, “I’m not creative.” Perhaps they are thinking of a literal artist, like a painter. But here’s what I say to that. You are made in the image of a creative God, so yes, you are creative. Writing is telling a story, putting it into words. And you are made in the image of the greatest storyteller.

So yes, you are a writer because everyone has a story. Every congregation has a story.

I engage folks, requesting they write for Update. I assure them they will be equipped to tell their story because I can help by editing and refining the writing structure. I empower them by convincing them that they don’t have to be the pastor to tell the story, and their unique perspective is needed.

You, the reader, help with the final “E” in the 4 Es. When you leave a comment, affirming what the contributor has written, you are giving them much needed encouragement. We’re grateful.

Here’s a special mention for the members who left the most comments. Thank you for cheering us on!

• • • Pastor Santiago Lange, Stuttgart, Germany
    • Bill Miller, Brighton, IL, US
    • Priscilla Krupp, Woodbine, GA, US

By Elizabeth Mullins, Publications Coordinator
Durham, NC, US

In 2023 GCI gathered and worshipped.

We loved and engaged our neighbors.

We learned and were equipped.

We graduated, retired, passed batons, and won.

On November 1 – 5, GCI Martinique gathered to fellowship and worship in a magnificent setting overlooking the sea. Our theme was, “Experiencing together the power of God’s love.” We thank our God for the inspiring and joyful time we shared with him and our brothers and sisters.

The highlight of our celebrations was the 60-year commemoration of the congregation in Martinique. We enjoyed a pictorial retrospective, an inspiring exhortation, a hearty meal, gift exchanges, and then the sharing of the anniversary cake. It was a joy to dance and sing together. And it was a joy to celebrate our journey with the Lord—past, present, and future.

We offer our gratitude to God and pray that the power of his love will continue to touch all our generations and overflow to those around us.

By Kernani Cheny, Pastor
Fort-de-France, Martinique

“Prayer is not constant positivity. It is honesty held in our hands and hurled at the sky.” – K.J. Ramsey

Join us in prayer this month as we lift our members and leaders. Click here or on the image below to download and print the December Prayer Guide and check out what’s happening in our fellowships around the world. #WeAreGCI

Never miss a day by receiving this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month! Sign up here.

“When I first moved here, I was afraid to get involved because I wasn’t sure how long I would stay here. I am so thankful that I didn’t let fear stand in my way because being a part of our church & neighborhood has made us realize that Surrey Hills is home to us.”

Check out this GCI Profile to get to know Chloe Parker, GC Surrey Hills, Ministry Intern. To read her full profile, click here or the image below.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! GC Pasadena celebrated its 10^th church anniversary on October 22, 2023. Nearly 100 people came to worship and celebrate with us. We had a different flow of our worship service since we included special music and video presentations of church photos and greetings from Pastor Glen Weber and Pastor Bermie Dizon, who spoke about how this church plant started.

We were blessed to have Dr. Dan Rogers as our guest speaker. He shared about living and sharing the gospel as a church community. We prayed and honored visiting pastors of other congregations for Pastor Appreciation Month.

After the benediction, we enjoyed a variety of meals brought by the members. Last, we had a short program that consisted of GC Pasadena’s women and young adults dancing, and guests joined in. It was definitely a joyful celebration, and we thank God for this milestone!

By Angie Tabin, Pastor
Pasadena, CA, US

“Prayers are tools, but with this clarification: Prayers are not tools for doing or getting, but for being and becoming.” – Eugene Peterson

Prayer unites us in ways words cannot express. Our monthly prayer guide is more than a guide; it’s a doorway to deeper communion. In these moments of shared devotion, we strengthen our bonds and grow in faith. #WeAreGCI

Join us in prayer today. Click here or on the image below to download this month’s prayer guide.

“I am grateful for the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus.”

Check out this month’s GCI Profile to get to know Bret Miller, GCI Home Office IT Manager. To read his full profile, click here or the image below.