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Gratitude Gazette |
Gratitude Gazette Contents
October 2000
Welcome to the Year 2000 Fall Assembly of Area 38! For most of us this assembly will be our last within our current assignments. We will be rotating after this assembly (Jan 01) to new positions at our groups, districts, or area. The two years of this Conference Term have been enriching and fulfilling to me personally and I believe to the entire Eastern Area of Missouri as a whole. In the event I do not express to each of you my thanks, allow me at this time to thank each and every one of you for the opportunity to be of service over the past two years. Because of your efforts and participation, Area 38 stands today stronger, healthier, and more active. We can surely say that this term "...sought progress not perfection." Let's review the work over the last two years. When we received the mantle of responsibility in January 1999 the area was facing a unique financial crises. Our treasury was growing faster than our willingness to spend. Through a series of presentations and sharing sessions we sought to find the best ways to use the contributions the groups have given us. While this work is not done, nor will it ever be, we have begun a process that should ensure the Area's financial future. An ad-hoc Finance Committee was appointed in March 2000, charged with taking an in-depth look at several aspects of our finances. Their work will be presented today in a final report. I urge everyone to take a close look at their work and give it your fullest consideration. Our office was expanded to increase functionality in both record keeping and communication. For evidence of this, the General Service Office frequently cites our office as an example of how the exchange of information between them and the groups can be handled. Also, the area made a firm commitment to forward to districts minutes, agendas and correspondence quickly and timely. We established an Area website, properly guided and managed, that will serve the area well into the 21st century. Our Public Information and Cooperation with the Professional Community committees have worked jointly to assist districts and groups in their understanding of that vital work. They have also co-hosted a seminar for clergy members in Districts 6, 7, and 17. While there are any number of other things large and small that occurred in the previous two years, the only real test can be answered by a simple question: Did we leave the Area in a little better shape than we found it? The clear answer is a resounding "Yes we did!! " Communication is better, Unity is stronger, and our primary purpose is being fulfilled. Again, thanks to all for the productive two years...you made it possible. I leave you with a simple prayer...May God guide you as you select your servants for the next term.
The way of Faith is a journey that many times begins with Fear. When I enter
into a new service position I invariably question myself. What am I being asked
to do? How well prepared am I? Can I stay the course? As we rotate, we need
to consider those who will come after us. Have I left the position in order?
Are the records straight? Is it in writing? Can we pass the assignment on to
our successor in an orderly fashion? Now is the time for me to get my own hose
in order. My good intentions don't always equal results. As usual, we need action.
This Area is the tangible result of the prayers, donations and twelfth step
work of the hundreds of groups that we each individually call home. As good
stewards, we are expected to leave things a little better than when we arrived.
When our replacements are elected, assigned, or appointed, we should be considerate
of their needs. That way we will continue to improve ourselves individually,
and as a fellowship. Orientation to our position is the best way to make this
transition. We are only asked to share our experience, strength, and hope with
those that follow us. Whether it is a fifteen minute explanation of the job
or a dry run through some aspect of bookkeeping procedure, the prudent servant
will take the time to rotate out by the example of love and service that had
been shown to us when we arrived. We make ourselves available in whatever way
is needed. This way we can maintain faith in our trusted servants, faith in
ourselves, and faith in the God of our understanding. I am grateful for the
growth opportunities we have shared together in service. Each service assignment
is a challenge and an opportunity for spiritual growth, allowing me to place
more trust in the God of my understanding.
Ed M. Alternate Delegate
Our area has been allotted twenty (20) half price subscriptions for the Grapevine and La Vina. These can be purchased for $7.50 for the Grapevine and $3.75 for La Vina. These subscriptions are offered from the donation account from The AA Grapevine. The general purpose of this account is to carry the Grapevine into hospitals and institutions. As Area Grapevine Chairman, I am asked to coordinate this offer. If your district or committee would like to participate please contact the area office for more information. Subscription orders need to be at the AA GRAPEVINE by October 18.
As always, Alvina S, Grapevine Chairman
Woman to Woman Seminars are presented by AA women for AA women. It is a weekend of speakers and workshops covering Recovery and women's issues. The seminars are held the first weekend in October each year and shared between the Midwestern states. Last year it was in Toledo, Ohio. This year it is in Decatur, IL, on October 6th, 7th, and 8th. For 2001, the 18th annual event is being held in St. Louis at the Holiday Inn at Westport. The 2001 seminar will be held on Friday, October 5, Saturday, October 6, and Sunday, October 7. Workshops start on Friday night and run through Saturday morning and afternoon. A banquet will be held on Saturday evening. Our main speaker will present at the Saturday evening dinner. Sunday morning includes a breakfast and a speaker. Attendance to this event can be anywhere between 200 to 500 women. If anyone is interested in being on one of the committees for WTW 2001, you can call the area office for contact information.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AREA WIDE SHARING SESSION
Subject: Participation Building among African- Americans, Gays/ Lesbians, Older Members and Newer Immigrants
Date:April 1, 2000
Place: Tyler Place Presbyterian Church
St. Louis, Missouri
Time: Social Hour- 9:00 a.m.
Meeting- 9:30 a.m. - Noon
Everyone is invited to attend and contribute.
General Service Information
P.O. Box 459, New York, N.Y. 10163
(475 Riverside Dr. New York, N.Y. 10115 for overnight shipping or personal visits)
Phone: (212) 870- 3400
Fax: (212) 870- 3003
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
Office Information
Address: 2683 Big Bend Blvd.
Maplewood, Missouri 63143
Telephone: (314) 644-1130
E-Mail: emaa38@ aol.com
Office Manager: Frank P