09/04/2026
A letter from our new vacancy pastor:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Good Shepherd,
Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Since September 1st was my “official” start date as Vacancy Pastor of Good Shepherd I thought I would take this opportunity to write to you and introduce myself.
……I grew up in Regina where I attended elementary, high school and university. In 1986, I graduated from Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton and was placed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Churchbridge, Sk., where I served from 1986-2006. In 2006, I accepted the call to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Regina, serving there until my retirement in 2022. Throughout my time in ministry, I’ve also served in a variety of other regional and synodical capacities throughout Lutheran Church-Canada. My wife, Audrey, and I have been married for 42 years, and have been blessed with three children, all married, and 8 wonderful grandchildren.
I recognize that every congregation has its own history, traditions, strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Having a pastoral vacancy may be new to some of you as it has been many years since Good Shepherd has been in this position. During a time of vacancy some things may fall through the cracks while others are put on hold for a time. Yet a pastoral vacancy can also be a good opportunity to evaluate current needs and future directions for a congregation.
Although my service with you will be as your Vacancy Pastor, I want you to know that I take the pastoral responsibility entrusted to me seriously. My main responsibilities will include typical Word and Sacrament pastoral duties such as leading Sunday and Wednesday worship services, providing pastoral care and visitation to those sick or shut-in, offering pastoral guidance where helpful, conducting funerals and weddings, responding to pastoral emergencies and participating in meetings of the Board of Elders, Church Council and other meetings as needed, along with various duties that may surface to share God’s Word and the comfort of the Gospel. Along with Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, I also plan at this stage to regularly be at the church office Monday mornings.
I look forward to getting to know you and participating in the life and ministry of Good Shepherd. My hope is that our work together will be characterized by mutual Christian love, patience, trust, and a common commitment to Christ and His Word.
Please pray for me as I serve among you, and I assure you that I will pray for you. I also ask for your patience as I become acquainted with how things are done here at Good Shepherd.
I pray that the Lord will bless our time together in the days ahead and use it to strengthen each of us in faith, hope, and love, and to keep our eyes firmly fixed upon Christ and His saving work for us.
Your servant In Christ,
Rev. Daryl Solie, Vacancy Pastor
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
