MINISTRIES
Welcome to First Church Dayton. We are a thriving community of faith seeking to share with our neighbors and the world the hope we have in Christ Jesus. Throughout every week we have opportunities to explore the scriptures, examine our personal relationship with God, encourage one another and reach out to others. Won’t you join us on your journey of faith?
Sunday School
Ketchersid Sunday School Class:
We meet in the library located on the north end of the Family Life Center.
The class studies books of the Bible using study guides by David Guzik (enduringword.com) as well as other commentaries. The class takes a verse-by-verse approach to explore how the message was understood at the time it was written and how we can apply it to our lives.
Each member’s comments and experiences are an important part of the class.
The class is lead by Diana Nevans.
We have had members from age 12 to 90.
Please join us at 10:00 for prayer and praise.
All ages are welcome.
Upper Room Class
The “Upper Room” Sunday school class consists of people ages 20-65, single and married.
We meet upstairs at the very end of the hallway. We study a variety of subjects and every class is devoted to the Word of God, illuminated by the Holy Spirit.
This is a very interactive class where we all learn from each other. We also enjoy doing life together outside of class.
The teacher of the class is Heather Sneed and she has taught the class for the last 15 years. She is passionate about teaching and studying the Word of God and earned her Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary.
Everyone is welcome in this class.
The Philadelphia Class
Youth / College Class
A welcoming Sunday school class for youth and college-age students, focused on open discussion, faith exploration, and real-life questions.
The class encourages thoughtful conversation, community, and spiritual growth through Scripture, service, and shared experiences in a supportive, inclusive environment.
The Gathering – College & Career Sunday School Class
The Gathering is a welcoming Sunday School class for college students and young adults in the career stage of life who want to grow deeper in God’s Word and in meaningful community. This semester, we are studying the Book of Hebrews, exploring its powerful message of faith, perseverance, and the supremacy of Christ. We will also spend an additional three weeks in the Book of Joel, focusing on God’s call to repentance, renewal, and hope.
We place a strong emphasis on Scripture memorization, having memorized Philippians 2, and we continue to encourage hiding God’s Word in our hearts as we seek to follow the example of Christ.
The Gathering is also a place where relationships flourish. We enjoy getting to know one another, sharing praises, lifting prayer requests, and walking through life together in a Christ-centered community.
In addition, our church actively supports and welcomes college students by participating in the Bryan College Church Fair, where we connect with new students and invite them into our church family and the life of The Gathering. Each student in the class receives a personal study book to support their spiritual growth — this semester’s study is The J-Curve by Paul E. Miller, which encourages believers to follow the model of Christ through humility, sacrifice, and resurrection hope. During exam seasons, our Mission-Minded Women thoughtfully prepare and deliver care packages to encourage and support students during a busy and stressful time.
Interested in joining The Gathering? Contact David Holcomb at: dholcomb8093@bryan.edu
First Kids
Bible Studies
The History of Christian Thought
Every other Sunday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. All are welcome! See Pastor Layne for more information.
Wednesday Night Bible Study
6:45 p.m. See Pastor Layne for information. We are currently covering the book of ACTS.
Divorce Care
Tuesday Night 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Free child care. Call Leigha 423-802-8445 or register here.
Women’s Bible Study
Monday night beginning at 7 p.m. We are currently studying “Discerning the Voice of God”. by Priscilla Shirer – Robin Barrett will be leading, contact her with questions at 423-653-8892.
Food & Fellowship
Men’s Breakfast
First Saturday of the month at 8:00 am in the fellowship hall.
Veterans Fellowship
Church Veterans Breakfast – 8:30am Fridays Eagle Exxon.
Second Sunday Luncheon
Covered Dish Luncheon after 2nd Service.
EVERYONE IS INVITED TO ATTEND, NOT JUST SENIORS!
Bring a side dish or dessert to share – Meat & drinks are provided.
Fourth Thursday Dinner Club
This is our Dinner Trip – We usually meet in the church parking lot to carpool or take the bus. The location is usually announced the week prior.
Wednesday Lunch at the Coffee Shop
Join the Seniors for food and fun Downtown Dayton 280 2nd Ave. The Coffee Shop is known for its Southern Comfort food and friendly atmosphere. We always have a wonderful time together!
Youth Ministries
Our Youth Ministry exists to help students grow in their relationship with Christ, build strong friendships, and learn how to live out their faith in everyday life. Through Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and fun activities, we strive to create a welcoming and Christ-centered environment.
Sunday School
Sunday School is a time of deeper Bible study and spiritual growth.
- Prayer & Praise Reports – We begin by sharing how we’ve seen God working in our lives and lifting up prayer needs.
- Quarterly Breakfast & Devotion – Once each quarter, we go out for breakfast together and share a short devotional.
- Book Study Through the Bible – We study a specific book of the Bible, walking through it verse by verse to understand what Scripture teaches through prayer and discussion.
- Current Study – The Youth are currently studying the Book of James, focusing on practical Christian living and growing in faith through action.
Wednesday Youth Program
Wednesday nights are a time of worship, learning, and fellowship.
- Praise & Worship – We begin with a time of worship together.
- Meal & Fellowship – We share a meal and enjoy time connecting with one another.
- Prayer & Praise Reports – Students share weekly prayer requests and testimonies of how they’ve seen God at work.
- Interactive Bible Lessons – Lessons are engaging and discussion-based, encouraging students to:
- Quote and learn Scripture.
- Answer and ask questions.
- Participate in meaningful conversations.
Topics Include:
- Grace.
- The Characteristics of God.
- Mercy.
- What the Bible says about living as a Christian today.
Special Events & Activities
We believe fellowship and shared experiences help build strong Christian friendships.
- Attend one Youth Conference each year.
- Youth Bible Camp in July.
- Extracurricular activities such as:
- Ice skating.
- Pool parties.
- Basketball.
- Pickleball
- Ice cream outings
- Super Bowl Sunday Youth Party
Children’s Ministry
Our Children’s Ministry is dedicated to helping kids know, love, and follow Jesus in a fun, safe, and engaging environment. Through Bible teaching, hands-on activities, and meaningful relationships, we partner with families to build a strong spiritual foundation.
Wednesday Night Live (WNL)
Wednesday nights are full of learning, laughter, and fellowship!
- We gather together for dinner and connection.
- Children rotate through four engaging stations:
- Bible Memory.
- Bible Lesson.
- Craft.
- Games.
We are currently journeying through the Old Testament, discovering how each story ultimately points to Jesus. Our children are also learning and memorizing Psalm 23.
Children’s Church
During service, children in Kindergarten–6th grade gather for an interactive time of Bible teaching. Through discussion, activities, and hands-on learning, kids experience God’s Word in a way that is meaningful and memorable.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
VBS is an exciting week filled with:
- Bible Stories.
- Worship.
- Games.
- Crafts.
- High-energy fun.
It’s a special time dedicated to helping children grow in their understanding of Jesus and His love for them.
Trunk or Treat
Our Trunk or Treat event is a fun and welcoming outreach to families in our community. It’s an opportunity to share the love of Jesus while building meaningful relationships.
- Dress up in family-friendly costumes.
- Decorate your trunk and pass out candy.
- Or simply bring your family for a fun evening together
And come hungry — there’s always something delicious to enjoy!
Local Outreach
Jail Ministries
For just under a decade, there has been a faithful group that has worked in Jail Ministry at our local jail. Four days per week, we provide Bible class and encouragement to the inmates. Some of the inmates who completed the class and were released from Jail, are now helping us to reach the ones incarcerated with the love of Christ.
Feed America
As part of our mission to serve the community, we offer a twice-weekly food distribution program for local families. This initiative is made possible through a partnership with Walmart, which provides us with high-quality day-old items including fresh produce, deli and bakery goods, and frozen items. We also receive grocery donations from other local companies.
Need Assistance?
We currently support up to 20 families each week on a first-come, first-served basis.
- When: Every Wednesday and Friday morning.
- Sign-up: Begins at 9:30 AM at the church.
- Distribution: Boxes are handed out starting at 10:00 AM.
How to Help:
Our church family is what keeps this program running! We need volunteers to help us sort, box, and distribute the food we receive. It is a wonderful way to directly serve our neighbors.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Loraine Garren to learn how you can get involved.
Faith Services
Christmas Food Boxes and Toys
Pop Up VBS
Expressive Worship Team
Our Expressive Worship Team helps lead our church family into heartfelt praise and adoration of God through creative and Spirit-filled worship. This group brings energy, and spirit-led expression to our services — using dance to guide the congregation in worship that honors Jesus and opens hearts to His presence. This team plays a key role in setting the tone for encountering God in our special gatherings.
Interested in joining? Contact Michelle Beaton at: mbeaton100@gmail.com
Audio Visual Team
Our Audio Visual Team serves “behind the scenes” but in a very visible way! They ensure that every person — whether in the sanctuary or watching online — can see and hear the service clearly and seamlessly. This includes operating sound boards, managing microphones and instruments, running the livestream on YouTube, displaying lyrics and videos on screens, and coordinating visuals during worship and sermons. Technology is used as a tool to support worship and help people connect with God without distraction.
Interested in serving on the AV Team? Contact Jerry Kloes at: jpkloes@gmail.com
Praise Team
The Praise Team is the group of vocalists and musicians who lead us in sung worship each weekend. They work together to prepare songs that reflect the heart of our services, create unity among the congregation, and usher people into praise, prayer, and reflection. This team’s mission is to help point others to Jesus through heartfelt song and musical excellence.
Want to serve with the Praise Team? Contact John Bamber at: Bamber.john@gmail.com
Mission-Minded Women (MMW)
Mission-Minded Women is a welcoming group of women dedicated to supporting the ministries of First Church and serving our local community with purpose and compassion. Our heart is to come alongside ministries, encourage their work, and discover meaningful ways we can partner with them in service and prayer.
We meet every other month for a time of refreshments, fellowship, and learning. Each gathering features a guest speaker who represents a highlighted ministry, sharing how God is at work and how Mission-Minded Women can actively support and participate in that mission.
MMW meets on the second Thursday at 5:30 PM on the following 2026 dates:
February 12, April 9, June 11, August 13, October 8, and December 10, when we celebrate with our annual Christmas party — always a joyful evening filled with laughter, fun, and connection.
Mission-Minded Women is open to all women of First Church, whether you are new or have been part of the church family for years. We invite you to join us as we grow in fellowship, learn together, and serve with joyful purpose.
Interested in joining Mission-Minded Women? Contact Cathy Barger at: cathybarger@hotmail.com
His Providence Ministry
His Providence is a ministry at our church created to serve and uplift the women of our community. Born out of a personal testimony of God’s provision during a time of great need, this ministry exists to give Him all the glory and to offer women who have been deeply hurt a fresh start, surrounded by the love of the church.
His Providence is a cost-free store where women can “shop” for essential items, including pajamas, everyday clothing, and outfits for job interviews. Children’s clothing and basic toiletry kits are also available, and each woman will receive a Bible before she leaves.
The ministry is currently located in Room 203, up the stairs outside the Sanctuary. We are grateful for the many volunteers who have donated, sorted, and prepared clothing and toiletry kits to make this ministry possible. Please help spread the word to our community.
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40
Interested in joining His Providence Ministry? Contact Amber Tucker at: 423-240-9237
Global Missions
Our church has served many years in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Peru. We have built onto churches, built homes, built community centers, as well as clothed and fed thousands of people over the years. Every year we take a team of over 30 people to serve in impoverished places, bringing the love of Jesus to wherever He leads us.
We started a feeding program in Nicaragua and have served over 250,000 meals over the last 10 years. Our church also always provides Christmas for several villages around the world.
Many of the children who have grown up in our church, that are now young adults, are now serving around the world. We are about making disciples, who go and make disciples!
Honduras
Peru
HOW TO SERVE
Volunteering at our church is a meaningful way to live out your faith through service. Volunteers share their time and gifts in many areas, including worship support, hospitality, outreach, education, care ministries, and community service. Rooted in Christ’s call to love our neighbors, serving together strengthens our church family and extends God’s grace beyond our walls. All are welcome to serve, and every act of service, big or small, helps make a difference.
If you are looking to volunteer, please reach out to a church leader.
- Layne Pennington, Pastor
- Elissa Wilcox, Administrative
- Adelyn (Addy) Benoit, Children’s Minister
- Samantha Crisp/ Little Learners Director
- Joseph Hanagan, Youth Director
