methodist church exterior with people outside

About Us

Grace: A United Methodist Community in Dayton, OH, is a diverse community that embraces questioning and seeking and believes in God's love and unity among each other, regardless of beliefs.

Who We Are

Come, Experience Grace

Grace is a dynamic and welcoming community that has been serving the needs of our community for more than a century. We are committed to providing meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging, and we are rooted in a tradition of inclusivity, diversity, and compassion. Loving God, loving neighbor, and living in community; we can’t say it enough—Grace is for EVERYONE!

We support ministries with and for all ages and backgrounds. We are strongly committed to working with a neighborhood school, contributing school supplies and uniforms and interacting with students. Our prison ministry is vibrant. We visit the county jail regularly to tell Sacred Stories in a circle-based program with inmates. Our community writes letters to incarcerated men and women through the HOPE Letters program. Returning citizens are welcomed and valued in our church. Through Dayton Cooks! we provide meals to students. Our prayer team meets weekly and prays daily for individuals, the community, the nation, and the world.

We are grateful to be a vital part of our community, and our large, historic facility is open for many activities. Weddings, meetings, blood drives, dinners, receptions—we are ready and eager to provide space for these and other events. Contact the church office for more information. And, welcome to Grace!

Discover God's Love at Grace Church

Meet Our Team

Rev. Steve Putka

  • Faith Journey: Steve began life as a Roman Catholic, but beginning in college spent 10 years away from the church, confused and discouraged with organized religion. During this time he felt God calling him back to Christian community, but he resisted. Close friends cared enough to invite Steve and his wife to their church. They found “a faith that fit,” became United Methodists, and several years later they moved with their three children back to Ohio for seminary. Later, Steve spent ten years in ministry as a chaplain for at-risk children and families. Combined with his years away from the church, he become passionate about connecting with people of other faiths, and with those who are new to the church or even skeptical of the value of church community.
  • Ministry: Before coming to Grace in July of 2023, Steve served as pastor at Amlin United Methodist Church for 12 years. Previously, he served churches in Westerville and Delaware. Steve is passionate about connecting churches to the needs in the community. He mentors other clergy within the Crucible Leadership Summit and assists with selection of new clergy through the Board of Ordained Ministry for the United Methodist Church in West Ohio.
  • Family & Background: Steve is married to Wendy Putka, and they have three children: Chad, Grace, and Sam. They are a family that enjoys variety, as they also have a miniature French poodle and an enourmous Newfoundland dog! Steve grew up in Cleveland, and has also lived in New Jersey, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
  • Interests: Steve enjoys the outdoors, and likes to camp, hike, and fish. He also enjoys whitewater rafting when he gets away to West Virginia with friends.
putka steve 1

Marcia Byrd

Children’s Ministry Director

My goal with the ministry is to show kids that they can have fun while learning about who God is and how He loves and cares for them. It’s so exciting to see the children connect and grow in Christ. I feel that it is important to introduce the word of God early to create a strong foundation that kids can build on through their adult years. It is great to be a part of their journey.

marcia byrd

Charis Weible

Worship Arts Director

Charis Weible grew up with a worship director and pastor father and an artistic, musical mother. When it was time to make career decisions, Charis chose the arts: theatre, primarily, and eventually mostly costume design. She graduated from Wright State University with a bachelor of Arts in theatre in 2012, and has been working full time in the arts since 2013. She first started singing with the Grace Church choir in 2016, and immediately fell in love with the people and the church. She is currently a member of the performing arts staff at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School. She is so excited to come back to her first love of music in this new role helping to broaden the worship experiences at Grace Church. In her free time, Charis can be found at the gym, playing with her dog, Penelope, cooking, or dreaming up new wild adventures.

Charis Weible headshot