MBAIAA Newsletter – August 2018

Published on August 22, 2018

Step 8 – “Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.”

“My Eighth Step list used to drag me into a whirlpool of resentment. After four years of sobriety, I was blocked by denial connected with an ongoing abusive relationship. The argument between fear and pride eased as the words of the Step moved from my head to my heart. For the first time in years I opened my box of paints and poured out an honest rage, and explosion of reds and blacks and yellows. As I looked at the drawing, tears of joy and relief flowed down my cheeks. In my disease, I had given up my art, a self – inflicted punishment far greater than any imposed from outside. In my recovery, I learned that the pain of my defects is the very substance God uses to cleanse my character and to set me free.”
Daily Reflections, August 11

Local Alcoholics Anonymous Events To Plan For

There are opportunities for fellowship and fun in the coming weeks. All events are listed on our calendar page.

Monterey Intergroup Birthday / Speaker Meeting
Saturday, August 25 @7:30 pm

Hosted this month by Topic Tag – which meets on Thursdays at 7:00 pm at St John’s Chapel, 1490 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey. The speaker will be Renee C. 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 9pm. Coffee is typically ready no later than 7pm. Arrive early for good parking, fellowship and a great seat! The Steering Committee and the IGRs have voted to increase the price of the raffle tickets at the monthly birthday meeting from $1.00 to $2.00 or 3 for $5.00. So come prepared! See you there!
Monterey High School Cafeteria
Herman Drive at Larkin, Monterey CA 93940

News From General Service

This financial report is from AA World Services
Finance Sales through the first six months of 2018 were below budget, while contributions were ahead of budget. Regarding some of the variances between the 2018 budget and year-todate results, the following areas were noted: Revenue: For the six months ended June 30, 2018 revenue was 0.91% higher than budgeted and 2.04% lower than the six months ended June 30, 2017. Operating expenses were 2.66% greater than budgeted and 11.87% more than last year. Unit book and booklet sales have decreased from 2017 by 18,815 pieces or (2.18%). Contributions: Actual contributions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $3,816,472, which is 3.77% higher than budget and 1.19% higher than the six months ended June 30, 2017. Online contributions for the first six months of 2018 amounted to $369,067. This compared with $333,480 in 2017, $212,908 in 2016, $179,449 in 2015, and $135,909 in 2014. Online contributions for the first six months of 2018 account for 9.80% of total contributions. Expenses: For the six months, salaries were $77,921 (2.20%) more than budget and $379,034 (11.70%) more than the six months ended June 30, 2017. Several more positions have been filled in the first six months of 2018 as compared to the same period last year.
Also, locally, the 2018 Pacific Regional Forum is taking place in San Jose ,September 7 -9.
Regional Forums originated in 1975 at the suggestion of Dr. Jack Norris, then Chair of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous. They were to be weekend sharing and informational sessions designed to help the General Service Board, A.A. World Services, Inc., the Grapevine Corporate Board, the Grapevine Staff, and the General Service Office Staff stay in touch with A.A. members, trusted servants and newcomers to service throughout the A.A. service structure.

Forums provide unique opportunities to share and exchange valuable experience, ask questions and spark new ideas.  Regional Forums and Local Forums carry A.A.’s message of love and service by improving communication at all levels of our Fellowship.
For further information and registration please visit HERE

To see current IGR minutes and financial reports CLICK HERE

A Note From Jana

Late summer is here. As fall approaches it is a good time to reflect on all that we have to be grateful for. I heard in a meeting the other day,
“Grateful AA’s don’t drink.”
I encourage you to check out the information regarding the Pacific Regional Forum. Attending can only enhance your sobriety and may have an impact on AA’s ongoing ability to carry the message.

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 who 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.