New Pastor Calls Zion Lutheran 'Home Away from Home'

welcomed its newest pastor, Paul Aldrich, with stoles that parishioners embroidered with the mission logo and theme of the Missouri Synod, of which Zion Lutheran is a part: “Witness, Mercy, Life Together.”

“I first wore the red stole for Reformation Day, and then the new green stole arrived in time for me to wear it for the second Sunday after the Epiphany,” Aldrich said.

At a time when many churches are replacing choirs with bands and bringing computer technology into services, Zion remains formal, liturgical and traditional. Aldrich is only the church’s fifth pastor in a 120-year history.

Who: Pastor Paul Aldrich

Role: Spiritual leader of Zion Lutheran Church's  congregation of 350; head master of the church's K-8 school. 

Roots: Minnesota

Age: 52

What is it like to live in Piedmont? We love it. Coming from Minnesota, [my family is] enjoying the weather. We love the activity, the diversity, the wide variety of everything from dining to shopping.

How did you find the congregation? There are many people who moved here from other places. For so many people away from their blood relatives, this church is a home away from home. It’s a warm, caring community.

Are you looking to expand? Always. We are a growing congregation.

One of your priorities is to bring together Zion's church and school communities. Yes. One staff member’s big role is to be a liaison between the church and the school. The school is rigorous, with a classical curriculum. Our students regularly get into the first high school of their choice. We would like to see the congregation volunteering in the school, fund-raising, getting involved with read-a-thons. And we want to welcome the parents at the school into the church.

Are your children school-age? We have five children—three at home. One is in high school, two are in college. They are a blessing. My wife DeJuana taught at Piedmont High School; now she teaches biology at Holy Names.

What will the church look like in, say, two years from now? That’s a great question. We are going to continue to grow as a caring, warm, family-friendly group of people. Growth will be steady. Slow, maybe, but steady. We will reach out to our community with open arms, and let them know they always have a home here.