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Sobriety News - September 2010
 A Service of Harrisburg Area Intergroup

If you would like to add something to the Sobriety News, please send it to info@aaharrisburg.org


STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Sobriety News is a publication of the Harrisburg Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is written, edited, and read by AA members, and those interested in the AA program of recovery from the disease of alcoholism, linking one alcoholic to another. Our desperation to find relief from the bondage of alcoholism has led us to this program as a new " design for living". Many members utilize meetings, sponsorship, self examination, amends, prayer, meditation, AA literature, service to fellow alcoholics, and many other tools to maintain their recovery. This publication is intended as one more tool to live a life of recovery. Because each AA member has an individual way of working this program, divergent views to recovery, within the concept of the Program of Alcoholics Anonymous, are welcome. An effort is made to print all viewpoints in this forum. Articles are not intended to be statements of AA policy, nor does publication of any article imply endorsement by AA or the Harrisburg Area Intergroup.

Calendar of Events

Sept 1 Wednesday 7:00 pm Middletown Into Action Group speaker meeting
Sept 1 Wednesday 8:00 pm Hershey Group Literature Discussion - Lisa K
Sept 2 Thursday 6:30 pm Harrisburg Area Intergroup business meeting
Sept 3 Friday 8:30 pm 19th Street speaker meeting
Sept 4 Saturday 8:00 pm Hershey Group Speaker
Sept 5 Sunday 8:00 pm Bridge Street Speaker Meeting - Fred S - Big Book Study Group
Sept 8 Wednesday 7:00 pm Middletown Into Action Group speaker meeting
Sept 8 Wednesday 8:00 pm Hershey Group Literature Discussion - Alicia S
Sept 10 Friday 8:30 pm 19th Street speaker meeting
Sept 12 Sunday 6:00 pm Bridge Street speaker meeting - Al A. - 7am Attitude Adjustment Group
Sept 15 Wednesday 7:00 pm Middletown Into Action speaker meeting
Sept 15 Wednesday 8:00 pm Hershey Group Literature Discussion - Mark T
Sept 18 Saturday 1-5pm AlAnon District Picnic - Mechanicsburg
Sept 19 Sunday 12-5pm Dillsburg Annual "Pignic" - Dillsburg, PA
Sept 19 Sunday 6:00 pm Bridge Street speaker meeting - Don D - 7am Attitude Adjustment Group
Sept 22 Wednesday 7:00 pm Middletown Into Action speaker meeting
Sept 22 Wednesday 8:00 pm Hershey Group Literature Discussion - Glenn S
Sept 24-25 Fri and Sat weekend Primary Purpose Weekend - New Cumberland, PA
Sept 24 Friday 8:30 pm 19th Street Speaker Meeting
Sept 26 Sunday 8:00 pm Bridge Street speaker meeting - Mike McK - 7am Attitude Adjustment Group
Sept 29 Wednesday 8:00 pm Hershey Group Literature Discussion - Karen M
       

Looking Ahead

Oct 2 Saturday 10am-1pm District 36 workshop "Principles before Personalities" - Carlisle, PA
Nov 12-14 Fri and Sat weekend EPGSA (Eastern PA General Service Assembly) - Lancaster, PA

Out of Town

 Oct 22-24 Weekend   Downingtown Young People's Conference - Pughtown, PA (about 1 hr east of Harrisburg)


Alcoholics: fast talkers, slow thinkers.


New Meetings and Changes

The Easier Softer Way Group is starting a new 7:30 AM meeting, Monday thru Friday. The meeting will start on Tuesday, September 7th. Closed discussion meeting.
Time - 7:30 AM each weekday Monday thru Friday
Place - Trinity Lutheran Church, 20th and Market Streets, Camp Hill

The Hershey Nooner group is adding a new meeting and changing the format of another meeting.  The Tuesday Nooner group is changing their format from Open Discussion to Closed Discussion.  They are adding a new meeting on Wednesday (at noon!) and it will be a Closed Step Meeting.  The meetings on Thursday will stay the same. 

The Monday Dillsburg Area Group is usually a Closed Discussion meeting, but on the First Monday of the month, it will be an Open Beginners meeting with a Q&A session at the end.  The chairperson of this meeting will have 5 years of sobriety or more. 

The Children of Chaos group would like to remind everyone that they provide free babysitting during their meeting.  They meet every Thursday at 6:00pm at the Penbrook Church of God 2733 Canby St.

The Pine Street Group has a new meeting! It is on Thursday evenings at 7pm and is an open topic, open meeting.  The Pine Street Group meets at the  Pine St Presbyterian Church, Boyd Ctr, 234 South St in Harrisburg.

The Grupos Los Amigos (Spanish speaking) group has a new home and new days and times for their meetings.  They are now meeting on Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:00pm - 8:30pm and they are locate at the Chapel Hill United Church, 701 Poplar Church Road,  Camp Hill.

A new meeting under the Big Book Study Group umbrella is starting up on June 24th.  It will be called the Big Book Study Group East and it will be on Thursdays at 7:00pm at the Colonial Park United Church at 5000 Devonshire Road in Harrisburg (1 mile west of Colonial Park Mall on route 22 directly behind Best Buy).  The Big Book Study group that meets on Tuesdays at 7:00pm in New Cumberland will now be referred to as the Big Book Study Group West.

PLEASE MAKE SURE to notify us via email at info@aaharrisburg.org if you have an update, addition or a cancelled meeting so that we can update the meeting lists.  THANKS!


God, teach us to laugh again but don't let us ever forget that we cried.


 

Newcomer Packets are now Available from Harrisburg Intergroup!!

A newcomer packet has been created and will be sold from the Harrisburg Intergroup.  You may want to consider this useful packet to give to a newcomer in your meetings.  The cost is $1.00 and includes 3 pamphlets, a meeting schedule and comes in a very nice packet..  The pamphlets are "Questions and Answers on Sponsorship," "A Newcomer Asks," and "A Brief Guide to Alcohoics Anonymous."  Literature can be bought at Intergroup Meetings.


 

Dillsburg Group 6th Annual Pignic 9/19

The Dillsburg Group is holding their 6th Annual Pignic on September 19th, starting at Noon. The roast pig will be served promptly at 1:00 PM and the speaker (Randy M) will share at 2:30. Bring a lawn chair for your comfort, and a dish to share. Other menu items besides pork will be available. There will be Door prizes, a raffle and gift baskets! Tickets may be purchased from Dillsburg Group members for $5.00. Logan Park is located on the road behind Haar's Drive-In, The turn before Dillsburg from Rt 15. Hope to see you there!

 

Primary Purpose Weekend 9/24-9/25

The New Cumberland Big Book Study Group will be presenting their sixth annual Primary Purpose Weekend on Friday and Saturday, September 24th and 25th. It will take place at the home-group's regular location at Faith United Church of Christ, 1120 Drexel Hills Boulevard, New Cumberland. The speaker will be Linda T from Hampton, Virginia. The event starts Friday at 7:00PM and will conclude Saturday afternoon at 4:00PM. Join us as Linda T shares her experience, strength and hope living the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Registration is $10.00. A continental breakfast and light lunch are included. Bring your Big Book!


 

 

Call Before You Pick Up Your Literature

Rich noted that he is “open for business” most Saturdays, but recommended that people phone him to make appointments to pick up literature - 777-1343. Please note his email address is listed on receipts he prints out, and it is always best to call before stopping by unannounced just to be certain he will be in the office.

 

Volunteers Needed For Coordinating Meetings for Salvation Army

Curt C is looking for people to volunteer for service commitments of 1-6 months coordinating meetings every Monday night at the Salivation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center.  Interested parties may phone him at 460-0934.

 

 

 

District 36 Workshop "Principals before Personalities" 10/2/2010

District 36 is hosting a day full of speakers, panels, an ask it basket and lunch!  Speakers include Jim S. who will be speaking about God and spirituality, Karen M about home group dynamics, Eileen C (who is our Area 59 officer-at-large) will be speaking about Traditions and Structure in A.A.  This event starts at 10am and will be held at the Second Presbyterian Church, 528 Garland Dr, Carlisle, PA.  Here is the flyer.

 

Into service out of self


A Little Slice of A.A. Service Conference-Approved Literature

Suggestions for Leading Beginners Meetings is great little booklet from http://www.aa.org.  You can find the entire pamphlet here.  This booklet is for all A.A.s. Although it is written mainly to help the group holding beginners meetings, or the member leading them, any other A.A. will find it worthwhile reading.
Here is an excerpt:
What is a good outline for a beginners meeting?
Many experienced chair persons of beginners meetings say that their opening remarks generally
cover these points:
1. Welcome to newcomers. (Newcomers are essential to A.A.’s health and growth. In the first
few weeks, they will discover that their fresh experiences make them vital links in reaching other suffering alcoholics.)
2. Assurance that newcomers’ anonymity will be respected.
3. Explanation that everything the chair person or any other member says is only the individual’s opinion, that no one can speak on behalf of the entire worldwide Fellowship (or, indeed, of any group).
4. Brief statement of the Fellowship’s size and scope.
5. Brief sharing of the chair person’s own experience, including in condensed form the usual elements of an A.A. talk: identification as an alcoholic (not necessarily events while drinking, but feelings); how the leader came to A.A.; recovery in the program; knowledge gained
from A.A.
6. Comments on any particular topic that, in the chair person’s opinion, newcomers need or want to know about. (There are suggestions on the following pages.)
7. Information about other local meetings.
8. Recommendation of the A.A. message in print—so that newcomers may take it with them after the meeting in the form of A.A. books, pamphlets, or the Grapevine.

Once we clear a hurdle, it doesn't seem so high.

 TRADITIONS CHECKLIST:
 TRADITION NINE: Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity..
Checkout an article from the latest Grapevine about this Tradition: http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/article_tradition.php

1. Am I in my group a healing, mending, integrating person, or am I divisive? What about gossip and taking other members' inventories?
2. Am I a peacemaker? Or do I, with pious preludes such as "just for the sake of discussion," plunge into argument?
3. Am I gentle with those who rub me the wrong way, or am I abrasive?
4. Do I make competitive AA remarks, such as comparing one group with another or contrasting AA in one place with AA in another?
5. Do I put down some AA activities as if I were superior for not participating in this or that aspect of AA?
6. Am I informed about AA as a whole? Do I support, in every way I can, AA as a whole, or just the parts I understand and approve of?
7. Am I as considerate of AA members as I want them to be of me?
8. Do I spout platitudes about love while indulging in and secretly justifying behavior that bristles with hostility?
9. Do I go to enough AA meetings or read enough AA literature to really keep in touch?
10. Do I share with AA all of me, the bad and the good, accepting as well as giving the help of fellowship?
 ***Printed by permission. THE AA GRAPEVINE INC., PO BOX 1980, GRAND CENTRAL STATION, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10163-1980

Focus on the program-not the problem.

As Bill Sees It
 Is Happiness the Goal?
"I don't think happiness or unhappiness is the point. How do we meet the problems we face? How do we best learn from them and transmit what we have learned to others, if they would receive the knowledge?

"In my view, we of this world are pupils in a great school of life. It is intended that we try to grow, and that we try to help our fellow travelers to grow in the kind of love that makes no demands. In short, we try to move toward the image and likenessof God as we understand Him.

"When pain comes, we are expected to learn from it willingly, and help others to learn. When happiness comes, we accept it as a gift, and thank God for it."
LETTER, 1950
 

I am responsible for the effort - not the outcome.

 

We Are not a Glum Lot!

One veteran AA says the trouble with "Two-Stepping" is that you usually combine the wrong parts of the First and Twelfth Steps - i.e., "My life is unmanageable, and I'd like to share it with you."

* * * *
The speaker at a convention walked up to the podium, looked out at the stadium full of people and said, "My heart is beating, my knees are weak, my stomach is in knots.  I used to pay a lot of money for this feeling!"

* * * *
"I really want to thank you for sticking with me through all the years of drinking, and the first five years of my sobriety," said the AA to her spouse on her fifth-year anniversary.  "But I'm curious.  If I started drinking again, would you still love me?"

After pondering the question for about a tenth of a second, her husband said, Of course I'd still love you.  I'd miss you, but I'd still love you!"


Learn to listen; listen to learn.


Harrisburg Area Intergroup
August 5, 2010 Meeting Minutes

The meeting was opened with the Serenity Prayer at 6:30 p.m. The 12 Traditions were read by Ed. P.

July Meeting Minutes: none presented, secretary was in San Antonio; stand-in absent.
Chairman Report: A new rep. from West Shore Area Group, Ken, was welcomed. Gary led a lengthy discussion regarding a letter sent to Intergroup by a concerned member of the Fellowship with regard to meeting practices of a local group.
Treasurer’s Report: Karen M. reported on behalf of Joyce. For a detailed report, please see attachment.
Central Office: Karen M. reported that she is in the process of updating “call sheets” and to date has received only six group updates. She encouraged reps to share contact sheets with home groups and provided blank copies to those who may not have received them previously.
Sobriety News: Lisa K. reviewed the August issue, citing the many events and picnics that are scheduled. She noted that she recently re-designed the website and shared that there was a problem with the site as the domain expired without her knowledge that the expiration was pending; no advance warning was provided by LifeRock, Lisa recommended that we switch to GoDaddy.com to house our domain due to the fact that they provide 24/7 service and she has experience with them. The group voted to change domain housing from LifeRock to GoDaddy.com effective immediately.
Literature: Rick reported an inventory report which he later noted was slightly inaccurate and therefore he provided an amended version. He noted that he is “open for business” most Saturdays, but recommended that people phone him to make appointments to pick up literature - 777-1343. Please note his email address is listed on receipts he prints out, and it is always best to call before stopping by unannounced just to be certain he will be in the office.
Public Information: No report..
Dauphin Co. Mens: Moses reported all going well, no problems.
Dauphin Co. Womens: Karen reported things are going well.
Cumberland County Mens: Jack reported that things are going well.
Cumberland Co. Womens: No report.
Camp Hill Mens: Bob reported that all is going well.
Activities: Chairperson absent; Ed stated his concern about the upcoming Intergroup Picnic and the lack of preparation to date. There was much discussion and the prospect of canceling or rescheduling the picnic was a possibility. Bob, however, stated that he would be willing to coordinate the event IF he had volunteers to assist with ordering food, set up, etc so the event could still be held as scheduled on August 21. Several of those present indicated they could be counted on to provide support to make this a successful event.
Unity Committee: Eric reported that Disrict 36 is hoping to recruit people to provide Outreach to individual home groups. Contact Eric if interested in additional details.
District 36: Eric reported District 36 donated to and participated in the recent Pennsylvania State Convention. He stated that the upcoming Principles Workshop will feature an Archives On-Line video. He again discussed the Outreach idea. Stating that one of its goals is to encourage members to attend upcoming conventions and events.
An-Anon – Irene reported that a picnic will be held on September 18 from 1-5 p.m. on Pleasant View Drive in Mechanicsburg. All are welcome to attend; covered dishes are appreciated.
Old Business: Ian shared his concerns related to the letter that was discussed at the beginning of the meeting: “when do or when does someone make sure that meeting formats follow AA tradition?” A majority of those present engaged in another lengthy discussion with regard to this topic. A statement that it is not the business of Intergroup to study or interfere in the business of individual groups was made and agreed upon by the majority of representatives present.
New Business: Ed reported that the new computer does not have software installed; that will be accomplished prior to the next meeting.
Dave raised a question about sales taxes with regard to purchasing items for events such as the upcoming Intergroup picnic. He stated he contacted NY and was told one thing, contacted another person and was told something entirely different. Maria stated that she just went through the process of becoming tax-exempt for another interest and noted it was a lengthy undertaking. Eric provided much input; after a lengthy discussion, those present did not see an issue with Dave checking further into this matter.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by,
Alicia S.


District 36 Business Meeting Minutes – August 9, 2010

Meeting opens at 6:05 PM with Responsibility Pledge and The Lord’s Prayer
Members present include: Terri, Eric, Kevin, Albert, Valerie, Vivian, Timmy, Ellen, Lore, Karen, Deb, Phil, Mike, Bob, Dave, Steph, Newt, Jon Welcome to new member Lisa from New Beginnings Group in Carlisle
Tradition Eight and Concept Eight are read by Terri and commented on
Secretary’s Report: Report commented on by Jon /// Approved
Treasurer’s Report: Report reviewed by Vivian and approved. Vivian takes a moment to reflect on the State Convention held recently in Carlisle – there were 386 attendees, Grapevine and Archives display were nicely done, Hospitality room was kept busy all weekend with the higher attendance, the ‘Play’ presented by District 36 was very well done, the State Convention is closer to being self-supporting. (Vivian served as a State Convention Committee Member this past year. Thanks Vivian for your service.)
ADCM Report: Eric comments on the State Convention – the play, the archives, special thank-you to Karen for “mining” the intergroup office for archives related materials, Eric also comments on the ongoing outreach to AA groups/GSR’s not currently active in District 36
DCM Report: Terri directs our attention to the Area 59 Calendar of Events /// Terri shares regarding The Grapevine. The number of subscriptions has fallen by 12%. There are two surveys underway, one by the 2010 Grapevine Conference Committee and one through the GSO. There is also a Grapevine Challenge from our Area delegates for all AA groups in Area 59 to consider purchasing subscription(s) to The Grapevine. /// Vivian makes a motion for D36 to purchase five subscriptions to use as ‘door prizes’ at the district workshop to be held in Carlisle on Oct. 2. Discussed and Approved. /// Discussion continued regarding profitability of various Grapevine endeavors. /// Hugh Hyatt is still seeking volunteers for the EPGSA to be held in Lancaster Nov. 12-14. Regarding EPGSA – GSR’s to be seated by 8:45 AM Saturday morning for roll-call. If you want to vote, be there by 8:45!!!
Intergroup News: Harrisburg Intergroup picnic will be held Saturday, Aug. 21, at New Cumberland Borough Park. See Karen M if you can help with setting up. Carlisle Intergroup picnic will be Aug. 28, 11am – 3pm at the North Middleton Park in Carlisle.
Old Business: Structure Manual will be available at our next business meeting in September. Thank-you Mike, Newt, and Eric for your making this happen /// The District 36 Workshop planning is going well. On Oct. 2, 2010 at the Second Presbyterian Church in Carlisle D36 will lead a workshop speaking to “Principles before Personalities”, two speakers have been confirmed with the third awaiting.
New Business: Mike (visitor) from Progress Group shares updates regarding a non-AA event at the Unitarian Church regarding a drug/alcohol awareness seminar. District 36 will have an AA display for this seminar for public relations purposes only.
News/Questions from the Groups: Bob B from the Hershey group asks that more time be available for this segment of the business meeting. It is usually at the end of the meeting at which time there is usually very little time to address a very vital function of District affairs.
Next Meeting is Monday, September 13 at Fellowship House, 6:00 pm.
Meeting closes at 8:47 pm with The Lord’s Prayer

DONATIONS - The addresses for group mailings of local contributions are as follows. Please make a note on your check (bottom left memo line) of "Contribution", or "Literature", or whatever other purpose the check is for, so the Treasurers can apply it to the correct account.
Harrisburg Area Intergroup, 1251 S. 19th Street,  Harrisburg, PA. 17104
District 36, PO Box 5325, Harrisburg, PA. 17110
Also, the addresses for contributions to Area 59 and GSO are:
Eastern PA General Service Area 59 Payable to: EPGSA
Mail to: Area Treasurer, 312 Hamel Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038
General Service Office, Box # 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163

SOBRIETY NEWS is published monthly, and is usually available on the website the Wednesday before the first Thursday of each month, so paper copies can be printed and distributed to Reps at the monthly Intergroup meeting. You can locate this newsletter, as well as lots of other stuff that would interest members of groups belonging to the Harrisburg Area Intergroup, at http://www.aaharrisburg.org 

INTERNET SOBRIETY NEWS SUBSCRIPTIONS Sobriety News is e-mailed monthly to free subscribers who have indicated a desire to receive it. You may indicate a wish to be added to the mailing list by clicking on  Subscribe and then clicking on send. There is no charge for this service. It is normally mailed the Tuesday before the first Thursday of the month by BCC (blind copy) to protect the anonymity of recipients. You need to notify us if you change e-mail addresses, and you may not receive it, if your computer or internet service provider screens out mail that does not have your name in the To: box

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