A Plum ministry says it’s running out space and wants to build a second church on its property.

In an application to the borough, Jubilee International Ministry says it has outgrown its 125-seat, 4,220-square-foot church on Center-New Texas Road, across from O’Block Elementary School.

It’s proposing an additional 6,100-square-foot, single-story church on its property that would seat 252.

Building a second church on the property would require a zoning variance from the borough. The zoning hearing board is scheduled to consider Jubilee’s application when it meets at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at the municipal center, 2000 Mike Thomas Way.

It’s a $1.2 million project, said Connie Brooks, the church’s founder, executive pastor and CEO. Their existing church had been home to a previous congregation that dwindled to only a few members, who wanted it to remain a church and accepted Jubilee’s offer to buy it, she said. It was 30 years old, and Jubilee has remodeled it twice.

“We need space,” she said. “We are running out of space.”

While adding on to the existing church would not require a variance, Brooks said it would cost more than a separate new building because of the updates, such as a sprinkler system, that would be required.

“It was just adding up to too much,” she said. “We’re not a large enough church to carry that kind of budget. Everything is paid for, but we still want to make sure our budget would be manageable.”

Brooks said they also did not want to move, as people they help, single mothers and children in particular, are nearby.

“We had looked at many buildings that were available,” Brooks said. “I don’t want to move. I want to stay right here and impact my community here.”

December marks the 25th anniversary of the organization.

“By offering critical services such as a meals program, food pantry, outreach initiatives, a warming center and refugee assistance, the organization directly addresses essential needs for food security and social support,” the church’s project narrative states.

“This multiservice agency plays a vital role in enhancing the well-being of local families and individuals facing hardship. Through collaboration with various community partners, Jubilee fosters an inclusive environment that tackles pressing social challenges, ultimately nurturing a more resilient community.”

As presented to the borough, the new building would be in front of the existing church, between the church and Center-New Texas Road.

The new church is intended for the adult members of the congregation, while the existing church would cater to children and teens.

An additional 27 parking spaces on paved surfaces would be added to the existing 24, with 18 of those new spaces behind the existing church. The existing parking lot would be restriped.

The plan shows an area for stormwater management.

The two buildings combined would use about 9% of the 2.7-acre parcel, which is zoned single-family residential.

The building would sit about 10 feet from the left side yard property line, which would be at the back of the new church. A neighbor on that side said he was aware of the proposed project and has no concerns about it.