DESPITE not having a church, a Christian community is growing on one of Oxfordshire’s newest housing estates.

Rev Mark Bodeker, a curate at All Saints’ Church, Didcot, has been licensed as the official priest for Great Western Park while homes are still being built.

He has been working with residents for some time, looking at ways the church can support the developing community.

On October 22, he was officially licensed by the Bishop of Dorchester, Rt Rev Colin Fletcher, at the Stephen Freeman Community School.

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The licensing signifies his church’s commitment to continue his work encouraging people to “grow their faith” as the community becomes established.

Mr Bodeker said: “Having this celebration in the local primary school hall not only recognises that we have, as yet, no building or place to meet but that these spaces are where community already exists.

“The licensing also acts as a celebration, recognising the work already done in building community as well as noting a growing sense of self-awareness and confidence. I’m excited about the role and working with Great Western Park residents who have made me most welcome.

“I feel really encouraged and supported in continuing this important work.”

More than 3,300 homes are being built between the A4130 and Wantage Road and more than 600 are already occupied.

Great Western Park Residents’ Association chairman John Boden announced in July he wants the estate to have its own parish council, but the plan has yet to be approved.


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