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| Along the Way 8-6-10 |
 As Bonnie and I settled into our airplane seats last Monday afternoon the flight attendant offered me a selection of newspapers. Taking the New York Times, I was startled to discover - on Page One, Section One - a story about clergy health (and lack thereof). Written by Paul Vitello and headlined "A Break From Work is Healthy (Even if it's the Lord's Work)," the article documented what I have long known: we clergy as a group are pretty unhealthy people.Citing statistics from a Duke University study of 1,726 UM clkergy in North Carolina, the clergy have significantly higher rates of arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma. Obesity was 10% higher in the clergy group. The article focused on the need for clergy to take sabbaticals and vacations. So there I sat, reading this article on a jet taking Bonnie and me to Rome for an entire month. Now I am writing these words overlooking the Tiber River, windows to our flat open and a cool breeze blowing into the 5th floor. The English speaking Methodist church where I will preach this Sunday is 4 stories below us in the same building. Following in the footsteps of Alex, Bonnie and I have explored the city over these past few days, getting lost in the charming and narrow streets more times than I can remember. We have eaten pasta, pizza and much gelato. Now I turn my attention to this Sunday's sermon. I debated about whether to send this weekly message. It's a little bit more work than I want these days! But we want to stay in contact. I can't guarantee I'll write something weekly, but consider this a postcard from Rome, sent with love from Bonnie and Creede. You have been so gracious in your eagerness for first Alex and now the Hinshaws to experience time away from Savannah. I know your worship service at Wesley Monumental will be stirring this week, and thank you in advance for your prayers for the Methodists in Rome. Creede Hinshaw |
