WORSHIPPERS will launch a brand new church to serve those living in a housing development to the north of Botley.

Boorley Community Church will hold its first service on September 27, in the community centre at the heart of the 2,200-home development. Families have been steadily moving into the new homes over the past few years, but so far have had to travel to attend church services.

Now they'll be invited to regular services in Boorley Green Community Centre which should feature a worship band and activities for children and young people. The first Sunday will include a family service from 10am-11.30am and a worship night from 7pm-8.30pm led by a team from Waypoint Church in Locks Heath.

Lay planters Jamie and Jeena Harding, who live in the new development themselves, will lead the new congregation. They've already led an Alpha Course taking place in the 'Gather' coffee shop within the community centre.

Jamie said: "We lived overseas and moved back here in 2019. We were going to another church, but felt there should be a church here, as people have been moving into these homes and living there for several years now.

"We have been prayer-walking around the area, we ran one worship night that attracted 80 or so people, and we ran Alpha for 18 people in the coffee shop. We want to gather together those Christians who are already living here, as well as attracting new people with the chance to hear the good news about Jesus."