MBAIAA Newsletter – December 2021

Published on December 16, 2021

Step 12 – “Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry the message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions – Page 106

“Still more wonderful is the feeling that we do not have to be specially distinguished among our fellows in order to be useful and profoundly happy.  Service gladly rendered, obligations squarely met.  Troubles well accepted or solved with God’s help, the knowledge that at home or in the world outside we are partners in a common effort.  True ambition is not what we thought it was.  True ambition is the deep desire to live usefully and to walk humbly under the Grace of God.”

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions – Pages 125

What’s Happening Locally

December Birthday Meeting – Saturday, December 18th @ 7:00PM

The Birthday meeting is on Saturday, December 18th at 7:00pm and will be held on Zoom.  This month the meeting is hosted by the MBAIAA Steering Committee.  Our speaker will be Chris T. – our former Chairperson.  Chris continues to be very active in service and she will share her experience, strength and hope with us.  We will continue to meet on Zoom.

The Steering Committee are the folks who continue to serve the fellowship on a monthly basis and try to make things go smoothly throughout the year.  During the Pandemic, this has not been easy, so please, come support the Birthday Meeting – it is being held on the 18th because Christmas is on the last Saturday of the month.

  • Zoom Meeting ID:  652 224 0517
  • Password:  Sobriety

News From General Service

Monterey General Service is busy and excited!  General Service is the link in the chain between your AA group and AA as a whole.  “We” are Alcoholics Anonymous.  If your group does not have a General Service Representative, please consider electing a GSR to provide your group with information pertaining to happenings in Alcoholics Anonymous.

About the GSR position: It is a two year commitment – a firm foundation in the Steps and Traditions is very helpful.  As a G.S.R. you are conveying the information, without giving your opinion, to your group.  Willingness is the key.  Your understanding will grow within these two years.  We meet the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. via a digital platform. Please read the pamphlet and, if interested , let your group know you are ready to be of service.

GSR Pamphlet

With gratitude and service,

Jessica A.

“I am responsible, when anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there, and for that, I am responsible.”
Responsibility Statement

Current IGR Minutes & Financial Reports

A Note From Jana

The holiday season can be a difficult time for us.  Navigating family gatherings, and other special events and still staying sober can be tricky.  The Grapevine has 12 suggestions to stay sober and they have stood the test of time

  1. Line up extra A.A. activities for the season. Take a newcomer to a meeting.
  2. Be host to A.A. friends, especially newcomers and those alone.
  3. Keep your telephone list with you at all times.
  4. Find out about special holiday parties and meetings.
  5. Skip any drinking occasions you are nervous about.
  6. If you have to go to a drinking party and can’t take an A.A. friend with you, keep a soda in your hand; keep some candy handy.
  7. Don’t think you have to stay late. Plan in advance an “important date” you have to keep.
  8. Go to a place of worship of your choice.
  9. Don’t sit around brooding. Do some reading. Take a walk with a friend.
  10. Don’t get worked up about all those holiday temptations. Remember “one day at a time.”
  11. Enjoy the true beauty of holiday love and joy.
  12. “Having had a….” we don’t need to spell out the 12th Step. Reach out your hand to a newcomer (or an old-timer).

Also, we will be having elections for the Steering Committee in January.  There will be several positions available.  Please call or email Central office for information about sobriety requirements and responsibilities for the various positions, or see our website and read the by-laws for the Intergroup to which you belong.  MBAIAA has been in existence since 1968 – that is 53 years!  STEP UP! and become a part of the action.

Gratitude Month was a big success this year. We cannot thank you enough for your ongoing support.

We wish you the very best of holiday seasons and are truly grateful to be able to share this journey with you.  Just as we were able to respond to the Shutdown, we will respond to the changes carefully and TOGETHER.  Look after each other, support each other, and remember that we can’t stay sober alone. Share with others what was so freely given to you.

“Nothing is so bad that a drink won’t make it worse.”
The Best of the Grapevine volume 3