Lutheran churches hire pastor

Trinity Lutheran Church in Endicott and Peace Lutheran Church in Colfax welcomed Ian McMichael as the new pastor to lead Sunday services for the two churches this week.

McMichael moved from Florida Monday with his wife, Corrin, and their seven-month-old son Hans. The McMichael family will stay in the Endicott parsonage.

McMichael said he grew up in Hermiston, Ore. He graduated from seminary school in Columbus, Ohio, and will be ordained at Hermiston First United Methodist Church in Hermiston, Ore. June 29.

The McMichael family spent two years in Florida while Ian completed a pastor internship.

"I love this area, and I love the people here too," McMichael said.

The previous pastor Phil Misner and family departed to serve as assistant to the bishop in Spokane last August.

The two congregations hired temporary pastors this past year while the churches searched for a new pastor.

McMichael said this will be his first head pastor position.

"My family is excited to learn about this area and be with the community members," he said.