Avondale Estates, GA -- After being forced to move out by the city of Avondale Estates over zoning issues, Christ Liberty Family Life Center is allowed to reopen immediately under a federal court order.

But the decision came so late in the week that church members didn't have time to get the old building ready for Sunday service.

"We weren't able to get the lights back on since we had to shut everything off when we left," said Apostle Rose Ann Thomas. "Just to know we're allowed to come back here, it feels good."

On Sunday, the congregation met one last time in a temporary meeting space right across the street and just outside the city limits.

The church had to move out in April by order of Avondale Estates, which requires a three-acre plot of land for churches.

It's an unusually strict standard that's been on the books for more than 20 years.

"We got in here and put our hard-earned money and time," said Thomas. "We felt like that was just not right."

The church sued the city in federal court for religious discrimination, and the two sides reached a consent agreement last week that allows the congregation to return and resume worship.

Judge Charles A. Pannell Jr. signed the parties' consent order on Thursday. The federal lawsuit continues since there are still some unresolved issues.

"We just kept the faith knowing god was going to see us through it," said Pastor Willie Hawkins.

The zoning battle has been costly for the church. It once had 50 members. Now there are only about 20 active members.