MBAIAA Newsletter – May 2022
Published on May 19, 2022
Step 5 – “Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”
“So intense, though is our fear and reluctance to do this, that many A.A.’s at first try to bypass Step Five. We search for an easier way – which usually consists of the general and fairly painless admission that when drinking we were sometimes bad actors. Then for good measure, we add dramatic descriptions of that part of our drinking behavior which our friends probably already know about anyhow.
But of the things which really bother and burn us, we say nothing. Certain distressing or humiliating memories, we tell ourselves, ought not be shared with anyone. These will remain our secret. Not a soul must ever know. We hope they’ll go to the grave with us.
Yet if A.A.’s experience means anything at all, this is not only unwise, but it is actually a perilous resolve. Few muddled attitudes have caused more trouble than holding back on Step Five.”
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions – Pages 55 & 56
What’s Happening Locally
Monthly Intergroup Birthday Meeting – Saturday, May 28th @ 7:00PM
The Host group will be the Beacon Group. The Beacon Group is one of the oldest on the Peninsula – They have been meeting at St. Mary’s Church for nearly 70 years! Our speaker will be Oscar S. We will have cake & coffee and there will be much to celebrate – TOGETHER! Again, May’s Birthday Meeting will be held in-person at:
- Place: Monterey High School Cafeteria – 101 Herrmann Dr. Monterey CA 93940
- Time: Saturday, May 28th at 7:00PM
Masks are optional. There will be hand sanitizer at each table. It will be wonderful and weird at the same time. Please come and support the fellowship and engage with each other in any way that makes you feel comfortable.
As a reminder… 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 – 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 6:30pm. Arrive early for good parking, fellowship, and a great seat!
Monthly MBAR Planning Meetings
The Monterey Bay Area Roundup is a conference held at the Monterey Conference Center. This year it will be held over Labor Day weekend – September 3rd & 4th. The main speakers have been chosen and Aubrey G. will be cooking spaghetti dinner on Saturday night. You can register for this great event here – MBAR Registration.
You’re encouraged to get involved in the planning, the fun, and the fellowship! The Committee needs several volunteers, including Committee Chairs MABR’s planning meetings are held on the 2nd Saturday of every month at 11:00am on Zoom.
- Zoom 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. 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 Jana
It was So great to see everyone at the April Birthday meeting! It was a rousing success and a good time was had by all. I want to thank you all for supporting MBAIAA through your 7th Tradition contributions so generously.
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. We have been unable to carry on this tradition for 2 years and 1 month. We have celebrated on Zoom and it was great, but you just can’t beat a face to face celebration. I want to encourage 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. PRINCIPLES before PERSONALITIES! Kindness, love and celebration will be the order of the day.
Also, we are also happy to announce that the long-held celebration, Unity Day, will be back on June 19th! This is the only celebration that brings the Salinas fellowship and the Monterey fellowship together to celebrate the founding of our program. A barbeque, fun games, raffles, and a speaker meeting will all be held out at Toro Park in the sunshine. June is not that far away, so come help us organize this fun event- it takes many hands to put together a big event like this. Our panning meetings are Wednesdays at 6:00pm.
Late summer and early fall, we are looking forward to making the Dog Show a tradition too. So get involved in the FUN.
Please keep Central Office posted about any meeting changes, any special events that might be happening. This Intergroup is about one thing – FELLOWSHIP! We need each other to continue to be happy, joyous and free. 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