MBAIAA Newsletter – August 2017

Published on January 2, 2018

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

“As I faced the Eighth Step, everything that was required for successful completion of the previous seven Steps came together: courage, honesty, sincerity, willingness and thoroughness. I could not muster the strength required for this task at the beginning, which is why this step reads “Became willing…”

I needed to develop the courage to begin, the honesty to see where I was wrong, a sincere desire to set things right, thoroughness in making a list, and willingness to take the risks required for true humility. With the help of my Higher Power in developing these virtues, I completed this Step and continued to move forward in my quest for spiritual growth.”

-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions page 77

I am happy to report that the winner of our big summer fund raiser raffle event is Diane W ! She and her husband Hugh will be flying to Hawaii for the AA conference in late September. Let’s all wish them ALOHA!
Thank you to all who purchased a ticket in support of our local fellowship.

Alcoholics Anonymous Events To Plan For

August 18, 19, 20
36th Annual Coastal Rally
Spreckels Veterans Memorial Building

August 26
Monterey Intergroup Birthday / Speaker Meeting – Saturday – 7:30pm
Hosted by the Topic – Tag meeting that is held at St Johns Church Thursdays at 7
The speaker is Gary H
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 earlier in the month.)
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

August 27
Santa Cruz Birthday / Speaker Meeting
The Birthday Speaker Meeting is an Open Yearly Chip meeting on the Fourth Sunday of each Month beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Arrive early for good parking and a great seat!
Emeline Building D1000 Emeline, Building D
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

September 2
Labor Day Barbeque – 11 AM – 4 PM
hosted by MBAIAA and Steering Committee
Whispering Pines Park at Pacific and Viscaino in Monterey
We provide hot dogs, hamburgers, beverages, fun, fellowship, games, raffles.
You bring a dish to share, a chair or blanket, sunscreen, games and whatever else you might think of to celebrate
(chess, checkers, pin the tale on the donkey…?).
There will be a meeting at 2:30 with our speaker Cat A. from Santa Cruz.
We hope for a sunny day and lots of fun!

A.A. News From General Service

The 67th Annual Meeting of the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous has issued it’s final report. The theme this year was ‘Supporting our Future’ Among the presentation items were growth, diversity (outreach and attraction), safety, and fully self supporting our obligations. To read further about this very important report.

General service is the vital link that keeps our fellowship thriving and concerns itself primarily with the 12 Traditions and how to best serve the alcoholic who still suffers.


To see current IGR minutes and financials CLICK HERE >>


A Note From Jana

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 awhile. Call or come by and let’s talk!

Last month I told you about my bulletin board redo. I have been adding some personal touches to my office. I covered the large bulletin board above my desk with fabric that depicts a bee hive with many, many bees busily maintaining the hive. I have also placed a banner across the top that says ‘good orderly direction’.

For me, it is the perfect analogy for our program. It takes all of us, working together to maintain our own version of ‘good orderly direction’ – unity, recovery,service, and ultimately sobriety and serenity. Our Summer is coming to a close. Come celebrate with us at the Labor Day Barbecue on September 2nd at Whispering Pines.

To quote Celia Thaxter
“There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart. “

We Are Always In Need Of People To Be Of Service

Service opportunities available

The website is kept up to date by Mike V. and James K. who have designed an extremely workable source of information for local people and for those who are visiting our area. Check it out and thanks a million, Mike and James

In closing, please feel free to stop by (1015 Cass St #4, Monterey). 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.