MBAIAA Newsletter – September 2019

Published on September 18, 2019

Step 9 – “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, exceptwhen to do so would injure them or others.“

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.  Page 83

“Step Nine restores in me a feeling of belonging, not only to the human race but also to everyday world. First, the Step makes me leave the safety of A.A., so that I may deal with non A.A. people “out there,” on their terms, not mine. It is a frightening but necessary action if I am to get back into life. Second, Step Nine allows me to remove threats to my sobriety by healing past relationships. Step Nine points the way to a more serene sobriety by letting me clear away past wreckage, lest it bring me down.”

Daily Reflections.  Page 258

Alcoholics Anonymous Events To Plan For

There are lots of opportunities for fellowship and fun in the coming weeks.  Visit our events calendar for a complete list of upcoming events.

Monterey Intergroup Birthday / Speaker Meeting
Saturday, September 28th, 2019 @ 7:30 pm

Hosted this month by the Mighty Muffins of Carmel Valley. They meet every day at 7:00 am during the week, and 8:00 am on Saturday and Sunday. The speaker is Chuck.

This is a monthly birthday meeting held on the last Saturday of each month (except for December when the meeting is held along with a holiday banquet ). The first part of the meeting includes a presentation of birthday medallions for those celebrating annual A.A. anniversaries and all are invited to participate. Birthdays are followed by an A.A. speaker who shares for 40 to 45 minutes and the meeting ends about 9 pm. Coffee is typically ready no later than 7 pm. Arrive early for good parking, fellowship and a great seat!

Monterey High School Cafeteria
Herman Drive at Larkin, Monterey CA 93940

Burgers & Bingo
Saturday, October 5th, 2019. 12 noon to 4:00 pm @ Whispering Pines Park.

Lunch will begin around 1:00. We will have hamburgers, chips and a beverage (we will have a veggie burger option). There will be home made strawberry shortcake for dessert.  After lunch, we will play 4 or 5 games of Bingo with fun prizes for the winners.  At 3:00 pm we will have a meeting with our speaker Alison B.

A lovely day in the park for fun and fellowship. Get more details on our Events Page.

Lunch and 1 Bingo card will be $7.00.  Additional Bingo cards will be available for $2.00 each.

Parking is somewhat limited so come with your friends, ride a bike, or walk.  All of those options are better for you anyway!

News From General Service

Here is a note from Susan G. – our Area 6 DCMC (District Committee Member Chair).

Dear A.A. Friends,

We are delighted to announce publication of the new A.A. General Service Conference-approved book:  Our Great Responsibility: A Selection of Bill W.’s General Service Conference Talks, 1951-1970.  270 pages, softcover, $10. Item B-70.

Gathering together for the first time in print form sixteen addresses given by A.A.’s co-founder, this rich reading experience culminates years of research and transcription of audio recordings.  Complementing the text are more than sixty archival photographs and other images from the General Service Office Archives — some never before published.  Collected here too are talks by Lois W., Bernard Smith and Dr. John Norris, nonalcoholic friends of A.A. instrumental in the history and development of the Fellowship.

This new book may be ordered via all our customary methods, including from your local Intergroup / Central Offices, and on our website.  As a side note, I have just received a second shipment of this book at Central Office, so please stop by.

To see current IGR minutes and financial reports CLICK HERE

A Note From Jana

Here we are three quarters of the way through 2019. Fall is such a fantastic time of year here on the Central Coast!

First of all, I’d like to give a hearty congratulations to all of you who worked so hard to put together the Monterey Bay Area Roundup.  There were wonderful speakers and fun events and all who attended benefited from the experience.

Secondly, this month, I will be attending the annual Central Office Administrators Conference in Mesa Arizona.  We learn vital information to help carry the message of our program to the alcoholic who still suffers.  If you have any ideas or observations that I might bring to the Conference, please come by the office, or give me a call ( for 51 years, the phone number has remained the same – 373 3713).

I also wanted to mention that I have received registration forms for the 2020 International Conference which will be held in Detroit Michigan. They are available at Central Office.  This event only happens every 5 years and is attended by 60 – 70,000.  AAers. The big meeting on Saturday night is held in the football stadium where the Detroit Lions play!  Once you register for the conference, you will be sent information about the accommodations that are available.  Registration is also available online at aa.org.

That is it from me this month. Thank you so much for allowing me to be your “special worker’.

We Are Always In Need Of People To Be Of Service

If you are interested in being a part of what we do here at Central Office, I am always looking for office volunteers. People to be on the other end of the phone when someone reaches out for help. It is generally a four hour commitment (either 9:30 – 1:30 or 1:30 – 5:30) 1 day per week. Currently, I need a few people to keep on a list of those that are willing to fill in for these positions once in a while. Call or come by and let’s talk!

In closing, please feel free to stop by Central Office. If you are one of the ‘Trusted Servants’ at a meeting (Secretary, Treasurer,etc,) and you have any questions about the responsibilities of that position, don’t hesitate to ask what those responsibilities might be.

I am in the office Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 -5:00.