Pastor Aden ready to serve St. John-St. James

By David Nordby The Brillion News

REEDSVILLE – For the first time in over a year St. John-St. James Lutheran Church will have a permanent pastor.

Pastor Darin Aden is bringing over 18 years of experience to the town and couldn’t be more energized for it.

“We’re excited to live in the community that we’re serving in,” Aden said. “Especially with smaller communities I think it’s important to be a part of that.”

Aden recently set the closing date on the house in Reedsville that he and his family will be moving into.

Aden arrived to Reedsville in May and started preaching in June. Originating from Olivia, Minnesota, Aden spent the last 11 years in Appleton at Bethany Lutheran Church.

“Appleton was kind of a nice stepping down,” Aden said referring to population size. “I know for me this is comfortable. I’m looking forward to getting back to a little slower pace of life … That little more friendliness and openness with people.”

St. John-St. James’ congregation is around 650 people, which is similar to Bethany’s. The only difference is that Aden is now the sole pastor, unlike Bethany where he was one of three.

“It’s a good sized congregation for one pastor to serve,” Aden said.

Aden believes the people of Reedsville will continue to be a big part of the church, as he’s seen they’re willing to “roll up their sleeves.”

Prior to moving to Appleton, Aden worked in Woodbury, Minnesota just outside the Twin Cities. For seven and a half years Aden did mission exploratory work, or what’s basically starting a congregation from scratch.

“Whenever you do anything new there’s always nerves that come with it,” Aden admitted. But Aden also believes the Lord has put him in a place to use his past experiences.

Please see the complete story in the June 23, 2016 edition of The Brillion News.