Mark Carey Writes

We have just held a vision morning for our teams that serve across the Christ Church site – there were about 50 of us and there are many more who were unable to attend. Our last one was three years ago – it was noticeable how much has changed and yet how much has grown and developed. One of the things I talked about was the three up’s from the film Oz The Great and Powerful. Show Up, Keep Up, Shut Up.

I pointed out that showing up means a lot – our reliability and consistency matters. Everyone benefits from our reliability and consistency.

I also pointed out that keeping up means we stay connected and keep up with changes and developments. That we communicate well together.

Finally I pointed out that knowing when to shut up and when not to is important. Sometimes we say the wrong things – even get caught up in gossip. At other times we don’t say things that we should say.

As people serving Jesus together we need to show up, keep up and shut up.

What I didn’t say is that I think we saw in the Queen a model of living in this way – she has been a reliable and consistent point of stability during uncertain and difficult times. During her lifetime we have seen her making the difficult acts of adjusting and adapting to changes in society – staying connected. She has also tried to get the balance right between when to say something and when not to, how to advise and influence. I’m sure there were times she wanted to say something but chose to shut up to be true to her role and calling.

For those of you in or near Bridlington – we are going to gather at the War Memorial at the end of the 6pm Evening Gathering for the silence at 8pm.

On Monday the broadcast of the funeral service will be shown at Christ Church, St Mark’s Westhill and Emmanuel Church.