MBAIAA Newsletter – November 2017

Published on January 2, 2018

Step 11 – Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

“It is easy to let up on our spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God’s will into all of our activities. “How can I best serve Thee – Thy will (not mine) be done.” These are the thoughts which must go with us constantly. We can exercise our will power along this line all we wish. It is the proper use of the will.”
-Big Book page 85-

Alcoholics Anonymous Events To Plan For

There are lots of opportunities for fellowship and fun in the coming weeks. All these events are listed on the new calendar page of this website.

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

Hosted this month by the Closed Women’s 12 and 12 meeting that meets every Wednesday@ 12:15 PM @ St James Church at Franklin and High in Monterey. The speaker is Kimberlee.

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

Thanksgiving Alcathon
November 22nd and 23rd Alcathon Meetings at the Fellowship Hall in Monterey. Meetings on the hour from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm.

MONYPAA – A.A. Meeting & Ugly Sweater Potluck
Sat, December 16, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
6 pm – Questions & Suggestions Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting. The meeting is free and available to all.
7 – 9 pm – Potluck & Ugly Sweater Contest, $5 suggested donation
Join us this holiday season at MONYPAA’s (Monterey Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous) first official event. The A.A. meeting is open to all and will be followed by a Potluck with a $5 suggested donation. Main course will include chicken, with various sides and desserts prepared by the MONYPAA Committee. Followed by an Ugly Sweater Contest.

MBAIAA Holiday Banquet and Monthly Birthday Meeting
Saturday, December 30th. Doors open at 5:00pm. Dinner will be served at 6:00pm. Speaker meeting begins at 7:30. Our speaker is Susie S from Walnut Creek. Come celebrate the holidays with sober friends! Dinner is $5.00. Please bring a dish to share. Turkey, ham and beverages will be provided. As always, there is no cost for the meeting. More Details >>
Questions? Call Central Office (831) 373 3713.
Contact us if you are able to donate a ham or a turkey.

Santa Cruz Birthday / Speaker Meeting
Sat, December 2, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Monthly on the first Saturday
Where: 829 Bay Ave, Capitola, CA 95010
The Santa Cruz Birthday Speaker Meeting is every First Saturday at Mid-County Senior Center with dance/party immediately following.

News From General Service

As was mentioned in this newsletter previously, there has been a focus on meeting safety at GSO. In regards to that issue, General Service has issued some new guidelines.

New Service Material Available

“The General Service Office has developed a new service piece that is now available to the Fellowship upon request. Service material differs from Conference approved literature in that it has not come about through Conference Advisory Action. Service material reflects A.A. group experience as well as specific and timely information that is subject to change. The new item (F-211) is titled “Safety Card for A.A. Groups” and offers statements that can be used at the group level regarding the safety of the group and its members. As noted on the card, “Alcoholics Anonymous is a microcosm of the larger society we exist in. As such, problems found in the outside world can also make their way into the rooms. For this reason, groups and members discuss the topic of safety — to raise awareness in the Fellowship and to seek through sponsorship, workshops and meetings, to create as safe an environment as possible to carry A.A.’s message of hope and recovery to the still-suffering alcoholic.” Printed on yellow paper, the six-by-four-inch card has been made available as an optional service piece for those groups who wish to use it, and is available in English, French and Spanish. To obtain service material, including this item, please contact the General Service Office.”

The MBAIAA Central Office has ordered this Service Material so that it may be available on request. It is of utmost importance that people feel safe when they attend an AA meeting.

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

A Note From Jana

It is such a lovely time of year. I understand that even the blue whales in the bay are celebrating! But 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 Thanksgiving, 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.

There are many events upcoming during this season. I am excited about the activation of a new group; MONYPAA – Monterey Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous. They are having their inaugural event on December 16th. It’s great to see these young people gather together with such enthusiasm.

There is also this handy guide

Twelve Ways To Stay Sober During The Holidays

1. Line up extra A.A. activities for the season.
2. Take a newcomer to a meeting.
3. Be host to A.A. friends, especially newcomers and those alone.
4. Keep your telephone list with you at all times.
5. Find out about special holiday parties and meetings.
6. Skip any drinking occasions you are nervous about.
7. 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.
8. Don’t think you have to stay late. Plan in advance an “important date” you have to keep.
9. Go to Church. Any church.
10. Don’t sit around brooding. Do some reading. Take a walk with a friend.
11. Don’t get worked up about all those holiday temptations. Remember “one day at a time.”
12. Enjoy the true beauty of holiday love and joy.

In closing, let me say that I feel profound gratitude for my sobriety and for our sobriety. None of this Grace is acquired alone. When we celebrate, it is ‘our sobriety’ that we celebrate.