MBAIAA Newsletter – March 2019
Published on March 21, 2019
Step 3 – “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him”
“Every man and woman who has joined A.A. and intended to stick has, without realizing it, made a beginning on Step Three. Isn’t it true that in all matters touching upon alcohol, each of them has decided to turn his or her life over to the care, protection and guidance of Alcoholics Anonymous? … Any willing newcomer feels sure A.A. is the only safe harbor for the foundering vessel he has become. Now if this is not turning one’s will and life over to a newfound Providence, then what is it?”
Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions. Page 35
Digital 7th Tradition Contributions Now Available
Our Intergroup Representatives (IGRs) have voted to make digital contributions available to all groups in our area. This decision was made after three local groups tested the process for a few months and reported successful results. From the test period, it appears that group contributions were up when using a digital basket. The digital basket is used in addition to the regular basket passed at the meeting. Group treasurers are also welcome to make digital contributions to Central Office instead of mailing a check.
For more information on Digital Contributions for your group, please read the Digital Contributions flyer found on our technology page. The A.A. General Service Office has also discussed the Digital Basket and here’s a link to that GSO Newsletter (Box 459).
One of our local members, Susan B., has made herself available to assist groups with the setup. You can reach Susan through Central Office or by contacting the Website Admin.
Alcoholics Anonymous Events To Plan For
Visit our events calendar for a complete list of upcoming events
Monterey Intergroup Birthday / Speaker Meeting
Saturday, March 30, 2019 @ 7:30 pm
Hosted this month by the Wild Women group that meets every Wednesday @ Noon at The Center for Spiritual Awakening 522 Central Avenue in Pacific Grove. The speaker will be Maureen M.
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!
Monterey High School Cafeteria
Herman Drive at Larkin, Monterey CA 93940
Monterey Bay Area Roundup (MBAR)
August 30th, 31st & September 1st 2019
If you would like to participate in planning the Monterey Bay Area Roundup, there are many opportunities to be of service. Planning meetings are held the second Saturday of each month at Martinez Hall in Fort Ord at 11:00 am. For more information go to www.montereybayarearoundup.org . Online registration is available.
News From General Service
If you have a General Service Representative, you have probably heard the discussion regarding the proposed 5th Edition of the Big Book. Last year almost one million Big Books were sold, so people still want to pick it up, study it, underline passages they swear they never noticed before.
Did you know the proceeds of the book help offset our shortage of dollars used to support services to our members? Bill Wilson compared refreshing the stories from time to time, to listening to different speakers in a meeting. Our young people are requesting a voice with stories written especially for them, under the age of 25.
There’s no right or wrong answer, only your opinion. Chances are it will take several years produce, even if it was approved by two thirds of our 2 million members in the U.S. and Canada.
Please find somebody involved with General Service and provide your opinion. It’s your fellowship!
| Agenda Topic | Consider requests to develop a Fifth Edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous. |
| Historical Context; Why is it on the Agenda? | The first edition was published in 1939, the 2nd in 1955, the 3rd in 1976 and the 4th in 2001. Letters from four Areas; two in the Southwest, one in the Midwest, and another from the East Coast, form the background. All request a fifth edition; one on the basis that it’s time, two to update the stories to better reflect the changes in the composition of the fellowship over the past 17 years, and one to add a fourth section to the stories consisting of stories written by members who got sober before the age of 25. |
| What does the Delegate need to know? | Does your group feel there is a need for a fifth edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous? If so, why? If not, why not? What does your group think about the current selection of stories? Are there any that should be retired? If so, why? Should any other changes be made? If so, what changes and why? If not, why not? |
In love and service,
General Service Monterey District 01
To see current IGR minutes and financial reports: CLICK HERE >>
A Note From Jana
Greetings All,
Spring feels as if it has been an awfully long time coming, but here we are – daffodils are up, branches are sprouting, bats are hitting balls. It is a time of renewal. Perhaps it is time to attend some new meetings, hear new perspectives, reach out to a newcomer who is longing to grow. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place, be sure to get out and enjoy all that Spring has to offer and share that time with your fellows.
There are many things to look forward to in the coming months as well. We will join the Salinas Valley fellowship to celebrate the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous on June 9th at Toro Park. This annual celebration is a long time tradition that is enjoyed by all. At Unity Day, we will be kicking off ticket sales for our annual Hawaii Raffle. The lucky winner gets a trip for two to attend the Hawaii Conference (including airfare, hotel accommodations for 4 nights, and registration for the conference). The winner will be announced at the birthday meeting in July or August.
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!
Also, we need more names (men and women) to be on what we call the ‘Twelfth Step List’.
MBAIAA calls are received by an answering service during non-business hours. They, in turn, call the people on this list and put them in touch with those who still suffer. Your personal phone number is never given out. By putting your name on the Twelfth Step List, you agree to return calls to people who are urgently in need of your experience, strength and hope. Please call the office if you are willing to be on this list.
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.