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Facing the imminent retirement of Pastor Kevin Stottrup, Aromas Bible Church has been adopted by the nondenominational South Valley Community Church, which also has campuses in Gilroy and Hollister. Formalized with a grand opening ceremony on Feb. 8, the church will remain open to serve the community’s faithful.
The current pastor, Ben Allen, said the transition was made easier by a relationship that Stottrup, who served as pastor for 23 years, had established with South Valley.
“We had helped fill his pulpit a few times when he was on vacation,” Allen said. “So when he was looking to retire, it was just kind of a natural transition. After a long process of discernment, we agreed to partner up, and South Valley adopted that campus officially.”
The congregation in Aromas first started meeting in 1893 under an oak tree, later moving into a railway car. The town’s first church was built in 1899. The current church, at 263 Carpenteria Road, was built in 1970. It remains the only church in the town.
“It was clear to the pastoral staff and elders that we couldn’t let the town go without a Bible-believing, gospel-preaching church,” Allen said. “It was critical for us to help them out in whatever way the Lord wanted. And the best way was to continue preaching the gospel there.”
South Valley Community Church was founded in 1984 by pastors Eric and Carol Smith, when five families began meeting in a home in Morgan Hill. Moving first to a storefront in Gilroy, then to the Social Science building at Gavilan College, the first dedicated home was the Gilroy Kelton Campus, built in 1990, followed by one in Hollister.
According to Allen, the transition to the Aromas location has required a degree of getting to know each other and trust-building.
Aromas resident Joseph Becker had, at first, gone to church outside of the community, but found himself drawn back when South Valley opened in town.
“I heard about them coming just before Halloween,” he said. “We had been to the Gilroy campus of the South Valley Church and enjoyed its vibe. It’s just a good atmosphere, and they had a good children’s program, so that was important for us. I’ve been happy ever since.”
Allen said the church offers a Bible study program on Wednesdays for men and on Thursdays for women. A children’s program, Awana, is in the planning stage.
“What is most important to us is to see people grow and develop spiritually,” Allen said, “and that they trust God more, receive His grace and share that grace through serving. We are focused on helping people receive God’s love and then live that love out.”
South Valley Community Church
263 Carpenteria Road, Aromas
For a schedule of services click here.
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