Go to church in your local bar

AUSTIN (AP) - A nondenominational church is conducting Sunday services in a bar and allowing dogs to attend with their owners.

The City Community Church meets Sunday mornings at La Zona Rosa, a music venue and bar.

Church member said meeting in a bar and allowing dogs are ways to serve the community and make people feel comfortable.

Organizers said it takes an hour and a half to make the switch from bar to church by cleaning up beer bottles and installing baby gates.

"When services are over, it's back to a bar," said Scott Harmon.

"Most dogs are well-behaved, although things got awkward when a German shepherd recently tried to eat one of the smaller dogs," said Rev. Matthias Haeusel.