A NEW CHURCH is set to open its doors for the first time in Penarth this weekend.

Eden Church Penarth, formed by Immanuel and Cosmeston Churches joining forces together, will be holding a service to launch the new church in the main auditorium of Stanwell School at 3pm on Saturday, June 7.

A spokesman from Eden Church Penarth said: “We are expecting a wide range of people from the local community as well as past members of the two churches and friends from other churches. The launch will include a time of celebration led by the church’s youth and a short address from Julian Richards, leader of the New Wine Cymru network of churches, followed by tea/coffee and cakes. Dress code is informal.”

A competition had been held to name the new church in a bid to create something that people could relate to.

Eden Church Penarth was chosen because of its symbolism with the Garden of Eden and the fact that it captured the imaginations of the churches congregation.

Simon Jennings, the pastor of the new church, said that they wanted to join forces so they could serve the community and develop relationships with local people.

“We don’t want to be a church that is closed behind four walls,” he said.

He added that they had worked through their differences and were looking forward to launching the new church.

Services will continue to be held at 10.30am on Sundays on the first floor of the Trinity Methodist Church building.