Grace Presbyterian, through Friends of Westchase, has long been committed to mentoring the children of the Westchase District. A new school year is underway, and we are looking for new faces to join our current volunteers. Anyone who is interested in this meaningful outreach should email Kristy Elmore for more information at kelmore@gpch.org.

Mentoring builds meaningful connections between children and adults, fostering love, acceptance, and encouragement that positively impact school, home, and community life. Research links student mentoring to improved academic, social, and economic outcomes. Friends of Westchase unites schools, churches, businesses, and individuals to strengthen the community through relationships. School mentors spend about 30 minutes with elementary or middle school students, offering consistent support to those facing academic, behavioral, or home challenges. Training is provided with activities, talking points, and games to build connection.

Join us for the next Saturday Serve on Saturday, October 24, from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. (approx)! This special Saturday Serve is reserved for our Senior adults! We hope to lend a hand by stepping in and helping with light repairs or any household needs.

Saturday Serve is a once-a-month, come-as-you-are, intergenerational service opportunity. We have on-campus opportunities to serve and we also plan to visit some community organizations with impactful missions! Stay tuned to learn more about ways you can get involved and serve in new ways. Whether you have one hour or two, your time can make a meaningful impact in someone’s life. The dates, events, and project details for each month are listed here and Grace Weekly email. For more information, contact Kristy Elmore at kelmore@gpch.org.

Another mission trip with Friends of Samburu is coming March 6–March 22, 2027, bringing hope, healing, and connection to the Samburu people of north central Kenya—and you’re invited.

We will be traveling outside of Nairobi to work on a girl's school and serving alongside the Samburu people, building relationships, sharing your faith, and supporting the construction project. It’s not just about giving—many return deeply changed by the experience. As one traveler shared: “This journey reminded me that mission is never one-sided. Yes, we go to serve—but we also go to listen, to learn, and to be changed. I came to Kenya expecting to see God in others. I left having seen Him more clearly in creation, in community, and in my own life as well.” 

The cost is $4500–$5000 (partial scholarships available). Contact Margaret Ellis at friendsofsamburu@yahoo.com to learn more.

Other ways to get involved: pray for the team members God is calling to serve, and for Margaret Ellis and the ongoing work of Friends of Samburu; serve by joining the mission team; or support the trip through financial sponsorship if you are unable to travel this year.

As you may be aware, Grace has a Disaster Response Team that monitors events which may impact our Grace family. Here is how the process works:

If such an event occurs, we want to be prepared, as a Grace community, to come together and support one another. Once a disaster response is initiated, Grace deacons are responsible for contacting each Covenant Partner household to determine whether any members of the household have been impacted. The protocol is to establish contact with at least one adult in each household to ascertain their status and assess any potential needs. The information gathered is then communicated to the Disaster Response Team for triage and appropriate response.

If a deacon is unable to reach any adults in the household, the next step is to reach out to an emergency contact—an adult who does not live in the household but would likely know your status during an emergency. It would be a tremendous help to our deacons if you would provide an emergency contact for our database using the form found HERE. The information will only be shared with members of the Disaster Response Team.

UNFORTUNATELY, THIS TRIP HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL AUGUST 2027. Exact dates will be available soon!

Join Us for a Life-Changing Mission Trip to Kenya

We invite you to prayerfully consider joining us for a life-changing mission trip to serve alongside the people of Kenya.

Through our partnership with The Outreach Foundation and Stu Ross, Grace has helped build and dedicate more than 35 churches and girls’ schools over the years. This year will be no different. The Lord continues to work in powerful ways in Kenya, where the Presbyterian Church is growing rapidly.

Trip Details

Leaders: The Rev. John Pflug, Ted Teinert
Location: Nairobi (outside the city)
Project: Building and dedicating a church and girls’ school
Dates: August 5–17, 2026
Cost: $4500–$5000 (SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!)
Deadline: Sign up by May 15

Tentative Schedule

August 5: Leave Houston
August 6: Arrive Late in Nairobi
August 7: Work on building a church
August 8: Finish work on church
August 9: Go to dedication of church
August 10: Visit Elephant sanctuary and other local sights
August 11: Visit other Churches and girls school
August 12: Work on building classrooms at girls school
August 13: Work on classrooms at school
August 14: Drive to Massai Mara, first safari in evening
August 15: Safari in morning and evening
August 16: Safari in morning, drive back and board plane late
August 17: Arrive back in Houston

Work on buildings include attaching the metal siding, painting, and cleanup. There are a lot of jobs to do for every skill level.

Ways to Get Involved

• Pray for the team members God is calling to serve, and for Stu Ross and the ongoing work of The Outreach Foundation.
• Serve by joining the mission team.
• Support the trip through financial sponsorship if you are unable to travel this year.

To learn more, please contact Kristy Elmore at kelmore@gpch.org.

New details are here! Join us April 18–24, 2027, as we return to Hendersonville, North Carolina, to support communities rebuilding after devastating floods. We’ll once again partner with Baptists on a Mission for a meaningful week of serving our neighbors, offering encouragement, and reminding them they are not forgotten. For more information, please contact Mike Doemar at mdoemar@gmail.com or Kristy Elmore at kelmore@gpch.org

Ways to Get Involved:

• Pray for the families still rebuilding after Hurricane Helene. Pray for the team members God is calling to serve, and for Michael Doemar as he prepares his heart to lead, and for the mission and ministry of World Renew.

• Serve by joining the mission team.

• Support the trip through financial sponsorship if you are unable to travel this year.