The Church of Sweden said it is preparing to open the country's first church-operated gas station near a town with no other fuel pumps.

The gas station near the village of Tarnsjo, which hasn't had its own gas station since last winter, is set for a grand opening Saturday alongside a connected convenience store, The Local reported Thursday.

The church said a joint-stock company it created will be responsible for operating the service station, which was built from a $715,000 investment from parish members.

"Our own petrol station is important for the survival of the whole village," parish council chair Per Eriksson said.