MBAIAA Newsletter – December 2017

Published on January 2, 2018

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

“We have been talking about problems because we are problem people who have found a way up and out, and who wish to share our knowledge of that way with all who can use it. For it is only by accepting and solving our problems that we can begin to get right with ourselves and with the world about us, and Him who presides over us all. Understanding is the key to right principles and attitudes, and right action is the key to good living; therefore the joy of good living is the theme of A.A’s Twelfth Step.”
– Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions page 125

Alcoholics Anonymous Events To Plan For

Monterey Intergroup Birthday / Holiday Potluck and Speaker Meeting
Saturday, December 30th

Hosted this month by the MBAIAA Steering Committee. 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 ). Our annual celebration on this night includes a Potluck Dinner. The doors will open at 5:00pm, dinner will be served at 6:00 pm. There will be a raffle and lots of fun and fellowship.

We ask that you bring a $5.00 donation and a dish to share. The meeting will begin at approximately 7:00pm . 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 our speaker, Susie S. who will share for 40 to 45 minutes and the meeting ends about 8:30pm .

If you are able to donate a raffle item or a cooked ham or turkey, please call Central Office and let us know – (831) 373 3713. Arrive early for good parking, fellowship and a great seat!

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

Holiday Alcathons
December 23rd, 24th and 25th and also December 31st and January 1st at the Fellowship Hall in Monterey. Meetings on the hour from 7:00am to 11:00pm. For more details on this and other local A.A. events visit our Calendar page. 

Santa Cruz Birthday / Speaker Meeting
The Birthday Speaker Meeting is an Open Yearly Chip meeting on the First Saturday of each Month beginning at 7:00 PM
Arrive early for good parking and a great seat!
829 Bay Ave
Capitola, CA 95010

News From General Service

I have recently mentioned concerns regarding anonymity in the social media. Box 459, News and Notes from the General Service Office of A.A., has published an article this month called ‘Safeguarding Anonymity in a Digital Age’.

“There is a broad concern in the A.A. Fellowship that the explosion of social media in today’s world may cause A.A.s to lose sight of one of the primary tenets of our program: the Tradition of Anonymity”. Please use the link above to read this article and more from Box 459.

To see current IGR minutes and financial reports CLICK HERE > >

A Note From Jana

I would personally like to thank you for the ongoing support we have received here at MBAIAA. The response to our gratitude month was overwhelming. From those funds, we will be able to make a substantial contribution to General Service in New York so that the hand of A.A. continues to be there nationally and here at home. There will be a full report in our next newsletter.

I’d also like to thank you for making the first year of this job so uplifting for me. I act as your ‘trusted servant’ and I do not take that trust lightly. Please let me know of any concerns you may have regarding our fellowship and I can bring them to the attention of the Steering Committee.
And speaking of the Steering Committee, many thanks go to each of them. They are of tremendous service to MBAIAA. Your current Steering Committee members are: Flossie S. – Chairperson, Sydney H. – Treasurer, Chris T. – Recording Secretary, Kelly S. – PICPC, Allison B. – 12 Step Chair and the IGRs at Large – Chase H., Susan B., Kate E., Carissa H., Shena D. and Amy B. These kind folks have really stepped up in service to our fellowship and allow me to do my job.

While we have much to celebrate at this festive time, we know that this time of year can be difficult for those of us in recovery. The Fellowship Hall in Monterey is holding Alcathons for Christmas, and New Year’s. You can see our calendar on the website for any information regarding the details. It is such an important service they provide, so whether you are struggling or want to share your holiday spirit, please come and support the effort.

Also, be sure to come to our annual Holiday Potluck on December 30th, where we will join together to celebrate the outgoing year, and look forward to 2018. Whatever it may hold, our journey tells us that the ups and downs of life are better when shared with the people who support us.

In closing, allow me to wish each of you the very best this holiday season. Remember that when we close our meetings, we hold hands because we don’t have to do anything alone.

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.