Opportunities to Give

JOIN OUR KITCHEN CAMPAIGN!

East Dayton Fellowship emerged from the merger of two congregations: the East Dayton Church of the Brethren (EDCOB) and The Shepherd’s Table. EDCOB, once a thriving church, had dwindled to about a dozen attendees by 2012 and offered limited community outreach. The Shepherd’s Table began the same year as a grassroots ministry in the same neighborhood, composed mainly of local residents, including children, people experiencing homelessness, and a small group of committed Christians.

The neighborhood surrounding the church faces severe challenges such as poverty, addiction, and homelessness. Despite these hardships, the congregation has become a beacon of compassion and service, offering direct assistance to people in crisis and demonstrating tangible expressions of Christ’s love and care.

The merged church began meeting in EDCOB’s building shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted several community partnerships. During that time, the congregation connected with Food for the Journey Project (FJP), a local nonprofit providing home-cooked meals to food-insecure neighborhoods. The partnership turned into a vibrant Friday ministry that combined hot meal service with food pantry and clothing distribution.

What began as a modest effort serving about 150 meals weekly has grown dramatically. By summer 2024, FJP was serving over 600 meals on Fridays, while the church’s clothing closet and pantry together assisted hundreds of families weekly. In 2024 alone, over 30,000 meals were served through the church’s kitchen, including contributions from partner recovery ministries.

The facility enabling this work, however, is in urgent need of renovation. The aging kitchen lacks commercial-grade appliances, has failing plumbing and electrical systems, and deteriorating surfaces. With 34 members and average attendance in the mid-forties, the congregation cannot fund the needed upgrades independently.

The proposed kitchen renovation is estimated at $300,000, with a stretch goal of $400,000 to meet city requirements and unforeseen costs. The Sisters of the Precious Blood have pledged $150,000 and will match the next $50,000 raised dollar for dollar. Completing this project will allow East Dayton Fellowship to sustain and expand its vital outreach, continuing to serve the community in the name of Christ.