THE WOODLANDS, Texas (June 2026) — Trinity Episcopal Church is pleased to announce that The Rev. Christine Love Mendoza has accepted the call to serve as the church’s next Rector, beginning August 2, 2026.
The appointment follows an extensive 18-month national search process led by Trinity’s Search Committee and Vestry. After evaluating numerous candidates through interviews, discernment, and prayerful consideration, the Vestry unanimously affirmed the committee’s recommendation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mother Christine to Trinity,” said Senior Warden Sam Kneisley. “She is highly qualified, passionate, energetic, strategic, and insightful. She brings a vision for building upon the vitality of our parish while honoring Trinity’s identity and history. We believe she is the right leader to guide Trinity into its next chapter.”
A native Texan, Rev. Mendoza was born in San Antonio and currently serves as Rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke, Virginia, a position she has held for the past nine years. Prior to that, she served as Curate and Priest Associate at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Religious Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned her Master of Divinity from Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. Before entering ordained ministry, she worked in software development as a Project Manager and Business Analyst.
“It is with thanksgiving and a joyful heart that I have accepted your vestry’s call to serve as your next rector,” said Rev. Mendoza. “I am blessed by this gracious call and excited to journey with you as we serve as Christ’s hands and feet in the world. Your Search Committee revealed a faith community grounded in love and ready to enter this new phase of shared life together.”
Rev. Mendoza and her husband, Jonathan, will relocate to The Woodlands this summer. Together they have one daughter, Emma, and are eager to become part of the Trinity community.
Founded in 1976, Trinity Episcopal Church serves The Woodlands and surrounding communities through worship, Christian formation, pastoral care, outreach ministries, and Trinity Episcopal Day School. The congregation is known for its commitment to spiritual growth, service, and welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds.
Rev. Mendoza’s arrival marks a significant milestone for Trinity as the congregation looks toward a future of continued growth, faith formation, and community engagement.
About Trinity Episcopal Church
Trinity Episcopal Church is a vibrant parish in The Woodlands, Texas, dedicated to sharing God’s love through worship, discipleship, service, and community. Trinity Episcopal Day School partners with families to nurture children academically, spiritually, and socially.
Media Contact
Kelly St. Mary
Communication Director
Trinity Episcopal Church
3901 S. Panther Creek Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77381
kstmary@trinitywoodlands.org
www.trinitywoodlands.org
