MBAIAA Newsletter – September 2022
Published on September 22, 2022
Step 9 – “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”
“As soon as we begin to feel confident in our new way of life and have begun, by our behavior and example, to, convince those about us that we are indeed changing for the better, it is usually safe to talk in complete frankness with those who have been seriously affected, even those who may be only a little or not at all aware of what we have done to them. The only exceptions we will make will be cases where our disclosure would cause actual harm. These conversations can begin in a casual way or natural way. But if no such opportunity presents itself, at some point we will want to summon all our courage, head straight for the person concerned, and lay our cards on the table. We needn’t wallow in excessive remorse before those we have harmed, but amends at this level should always be forthright and generous.”
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions – Page 83
What’s Happening Locally
Monthly Intergroup Birthday Meeting – Saturday, September 24th @ 7:00PM
This month’s host group will be the Mighty Muffins! The Muffins meet daily in Carmel Valley – Monday thru Friday at 7:00AM and 8:00AM on weekends. The Mighty Muffins also host Zoom meetings at these very same times. Speaking for the muffins will be Jenna M.
- Place: Monterey High School Cafeteria – 101 Herrmann Dr. Monterey CA 93940
- Time: Saturday, September 24th at 7:00PM
Masks are optional. There will be hand sanitizer at each table. Please come and support the fellowship and engage with each other in any way that makes you feel comfortable. You’re encouraged you to celebrate in whatever way makes you comfortable – wear a mask, don’t wear a mask, hug, don’t hug. No judging of others who may or may not do things the way you would like them to. Remember – Principles before Personalities! Kindness, love and celebration will be the order of the day.
The monthly birthday meeting is 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 – 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 8:30pm. Coffee is typically ready no later than 6:30pm. Arrive early for good parking, fellowship, and a great seat!
Another group has stepped up to host a Zoom-only birthday meeting. It will be on the first Saturday of the month. We will gather at 6:00 pm for a virtual potluck to enjoy fellowship and celebrate birthdays – newcomers, 30 ,60, 90 days and 6 months on up to our old-timers. At 7:00PM we will begin our Speaker Meeting. The sign-on for this new online birthday meeting is:
- Meeting ID: 527 176 156
- Password: 06101935
MBAR: Monterey Bay Are Roundup – 2022 Review Meeting
Our hats go off to all the people who brought us MBAR! The planning Committee did a great job! There will be a meeting to review this year’s event and you may be able to volunteer for next years :). The meeting will be held on Zoom this Saturday, September 24th @ 11:00AM. The sign-on for this review meeting is:
- Meeting ID: 831 4306 2293
- Password: 2022
News From General Service
Monterey General Service is busy & excited! General Service It 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 AA. The GSR position is a two year commitment – a firm foundation in the Steps and Traditions is very helpful. As a GSR. 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. at McGowan House, 381 High Street, Monterey or via a digital platform. Please read the pamphlet and, if interested , let your group know you are ready to be of service.
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 Central Office
I want to put in a good word for H&I. Until recently they have been unable to go into institutions due to COVID. Regulations have loosened up a bit and that’s made many service positions available! I received this note this week from an H&I volunteer… “We need a Genesis House Coordinator. The meetings are at 7 PM every Monday. Genesis House has 3 volunteers who go once a month – so we just need one or two more volunteers. The Coordinator recruits and reminds the volunteers of their scheduled commitment. Coordinators need to have 3 years of current and continuous sobriety. Volunteers need to have 1 year of current and continuous sobriety. Volunteers find their own guest speakers.” If you want to step up and share your sobriety with those greatly in need of your experience, strength and hope, get involved with H&I – It is very rewarding! Call me at the office and I will put you in touch with the right people.
It has been so great to see everyone at the last birthday meetings! To allow us to move forward, we must continue to support the birthday meeting! From what I can tell, it is at least a 30-35 year tradition of gathering together at Monterey High School to celebrate sober anniversaries at the end of every month. Please join us & come with friends – the more the merrier! I don’t know about you, but I have really missed the warm feeling of meeting in-person with my fellows :).
Thanks to everyone who joined us at our 2nd annual Dog Show this passed weekend. It was lots of fun and I think a good time was had by all (2 and 4 legged).
Be well. 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