district 17 general services “in touch”...
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District Trusted Servants DCM—Dennis T.
320-510-2206
Alt. DCM—Wendell T.
507-964-5158
Secretary—Lisa B.
952-856-0828
Treasurer—Jeanne H.
320-583-0790
Group Records—Lisa B.
952-856-0828
Literature—Dave B.
320-296-1693
Newsletter—Dave B.
320-296-1693
Third Legacy—Ryan V.
320-510-0404
Treatment—OPEN
Treatment-
Corrections—Matt K.
(320) 510-5361
Treatment-
July, 2018 Volume 35 Issue 7
District 17 General Services
“IN TOUCH” Newsletter Next Meeting Tuesday July 10, 2018 7:30 PM
Lighthouse Assembly of God Church Hwy 212 W, Plato
Please share the Newsletter with your Group!
DCM Report
Newsletter Deadlines
July 16, 2018 for Aug. 2018 Issue
Aug. 24, 2018 for Sept. 2018 Issue
Sept. 24, 2018 for Oct. 2018 Issue
Anyone can submit an article whether you are in general service or a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Everyone who has any experience, strength and hope they wish to share, your District Newsletter is a great place to do this. If your group has an event planned and you wish to have a flyer included, please send this and/or your articles to: Dave B. at [email protected] or butler.dave @mchsi.com.
My name is Dennis T. and I am an alcoholic. The June 12 District 17 meeting was
well attended. Jeff gave a thoughtful report on Tradition Six. The GSRs in attendance
reported on local group activities. Watertown’s Memorial Day Cookout drew over 50
attendees! Committee Chairs then reported. Highlights included discussion of our
presence at the Carver, McLeod and Sibley County Fairs this summer.
Paul H., our Archivist, gave a great presentation on meetings early in AA history in
Akron including excellent historic photos and donuts served to us on a Kistler’s Donut
tray, as Dr. Bob served them in early Akron meetings.
There was discussion of the Area 36 Assembly which took place June 16 in New
Ulm. I attended also. The Area is creating its 2019 Budget and seeks input from all.
Information is available on the Area 36 website.
We are always looking for more people to get involved. There are committee and
other positions and numerous service opportunities to match almost anyone’s interest.
It is a great service opportunity. It is also just a lot of fun.
Feel free to contact me, your GSR or any of the District officers whose contact
information appears in the newsletter with questions or for additional information. I
will keep you updated about District activities in the newsletter.
Yours In Service…. Dennis T. DCM
Note: Early Deadline
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District Trusted Servants
Technology—Rod W.
507-217-1659
Cooperation with the Professional
Community (CPC) - John L.
320-510-2332
Public Information - Daisy G.
802-917-2907
Grapevine - OPEN
Archives—Paul H.
(320) 583-0552
WEBSITE ADDRESS—
district17aa.net
MAILING ADDRESS—
District 17
P.O. Box 224
Glencoe, MN 55336
Concept Vll: The Charter and Bylaws of the General Service Board are legal instruments, empowering the trustees to manage and conduct world service affairs. The Conference Charter is not a legal document; it relies upon tradition and the A.A. purse for final effectiveness.
Do we act responsibly regarding the “power of the purse?”
Do we realize that the practical and spiritual power of the Conference will nearly always be superior to the legal power of the G.S.B.?
Reprinted from Concepts Checklist F-91 Page 3 with permission from AA World
Services Inc.
Tradition Seven: Every AA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
1. Honestly now, do I do all I can to help AA (my group, my central office, my GSO) remain self-supporting? Could I put a little more into the basket on behalf of the new guy who can’t afford it yet? How generous was I when tanked in a barroom?
2. Should the Grapevine sell advertising space to book publishers and drug companies, so it could make a big profit and become a bigger magazine, in full color, at a cheaper price per copy?
3. If GSO runs short of funds some year, wouldn’t it be okay to let the government subsidize AA groups in hospitals and prisons?
4. Is it more important to get a big AA collection from a few people, or a smaller collection in which more members participate?
5. Is a group treasurer’s report unimportant AA business? How does the treasurer feel about it?
6. How important in my recovery is the feeling of self-respect, rather than the feeling of being always under obligation for charity received?
Reprinted from Traditions Checklist F-131 Page 4 with permission from AA World
Services Inc.
CALL FOR NEWSLETTER ARTICLES!!
This newsletter belongs to you. We get some great articles from our District members but it is YOU, the AA Group member that we wish to hear from!! We know each and every one of you has something to share in your experience, strength and hope. Plus there is always something going on at the group level that others do not know about, unless the word is passed on. Your District 17 Newsletter is a great tool to use to get the word out.
Please send us your article or flyers!!
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D17 Monthly Meeting-Tuesday June 12, 2018
19 members present Jeff M’s presentation on Tradition 6 was thoughtfully and insightfully constructed and presented.
Dave B. volunteered to do Tradition 7 in July. GSR Reports
Daisy G - Gaylord Tuesday Night-steady attendance. Next Open Speaker Mtg. is June 19th. Kathy K.—Sisters in Sobriety Thurs. in Waconia—20-30 regulars; Jeanne H. assisted in their
group inventory. Roger V -Watertown Monday—Memorial day BBQ with 50 people; Mike M. was the speaker. Jeff M -Wed. Knight Ave.– A couple of ‘Elder Statesmen’ try to get others involved. Luke B. Hector Wed.—rotating chair, topic mtg.; Emmi B & Jeanne H spoke last month. Neil
(longtimer) kept meeting going for years with few or no members coming...Thanks! John L.—Stewart Thurs.– Awesome Pork Chop Feed June 7th with new group grill… Yum! Lisa B—Glencoe By the Book Sunday—Group steady. Annual Picnic is July 29th (see flyer) - Suggestion for GSR discussion in July-”Role of Big Book in our meetings”
Committee reports Paul H - Archives-Brought donuts in an archival donut tray from the early Akron groups; He
shared photos Dr. Bob, Anne & family; “An abridged interpretation of Rule 62”. Matt K - Corrections-Took a mtg into McLeod Co. Jail. Many commitments there not being met. Daisy G - Public Information-gathering experience from past PI people. Dave B - Newsletter-always looking for articles. Got an article on sponsorship from an AA in
St. Cloud. Dave B - Literature-lit order from GSO arrived. Replenished pamphlets for upcoming Fairs. Lisa B. - Group Records—Val (Area GR Chair) looking for help at Assembly on Saturday Secretary Lisa B. - motion made to accept the May minutes and seconded. Jeanne H - Treasurer-$1890.57 balance on May 8th; June 10th balance—$1218.32
Old Business Discussion on Delegate’s Report last month; Discussed website “alcoholicsanonymous.com” is
not AA, promoting treatments centers and commercial ventures. New Business
Pastor Dale mentioned that we left the room unsatisfactory condition after our Delegate’s Report & Potluck last month. More vigilance & effort needed.
Motion to pay all of 2018 rent to church—passed Area Assembly New Ulm on June 16th plan for road construction in town Area 36 2019 budget available on area36.org website.
Announcements-SIC Open Mtg. July 9th at 8PM. “Stools & Bottles” talk given by Nicollet Group Alateens to speak at Waconia Fri AA Open on June 29 at faith Lutheran @ 8 PM Ended meeting with “Declaration of Unity”
2018 Chemical Awareness class Schedule McLeod & Sibley Counties—Juveniles Classes Only
Saturday, June 2, 2018—Glencoe Saturday, July 28, 2018—Gaylord
Saturday, October 27, 2018—Glencoe Saturday, December 1, 2018—Gaylord
Glencoe Classes are at McLeod Co Courthouse in basement meeting rooms
Gaylord Classes are at Oak Terrace Health Care Center
Come between 11—2PM; Please confirm 1-2 days in advance Mike M. 612-910-0512
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We’re moving!! (Temporarily)
8 pm—Norwood/Young America aa & al-anon
To: Church of peace—424 franklin st. n,
nya, mn (across from dairy queen)
until fall 2018
29th Annual
By the Book Picnic
Sunday July 29th, 2018 Oak Leaf Park
Shelter #1, Glencoe
10:30am Big Book Meeting
12 Noon Potluck Lunch – Grills provided
Afternoon Activities
Kids Treasure Hunt & Playground Swimming, Horseshoes, Frisbee Golf Volleyball
Game
Food, Fellowship, & Fun
8pm Open Speaker Meeting
Christ Lutheran Church - 1820 Knight Ave.
Fond-du-lac, WI
Bring Family, Friends and Food
For more info. call Dennis 320-510-2206
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District 17 AA treAsurer’s report
Balance as of May 8, 2018 $1,890.57
INCOME
7th Tradition (5/8 Dist. Mtg.) $24.00 By the Book Glencoe Birthday contribution $4.00 Watertown Wed. AA $75.00 Winsted Monday AA $25.00 Book Sales $36.00
Total Income/Contributions $164.50
EXPENSES May newsletter printing $86.75 McLeod Co. Ag. Assoc. (Fair) $175.00 Carver Co. Ag. Assoc. (Fair) $325.00 Carver Co. Ag Assoc. (Damage Deposit Fair) $250.00
Total Expenses $836.75
Balance as of June 12, 2018 $1,218.32
2018 Southern Minnesota Area Assembly Calendar
Information about Area events can also be found in The Pigeon (our Area 36 newsletter) and on our website: www.area36.org
August 4 Area Committee Meeting Mankato City Center Hotel Standing Committee Meetings 9:30—11:30 AM Area Committee Meeting 1 PM—5 PM Sept. 15 Area Inventory Lakeville Heritage Center 20110 Holyoke Ave. 9 AM—noon Oct. 13 Area Assembly (Elections) Hutchinson Event Center 1005 MN Hwy 15 S 9 AM—5 PM
TBD Area 35 & 36 Joint Workshop TBD Noon— 4 PM
Dec. 1 Area Committee Meeting Mankato City Center Hotel Standing committee Meetings 9:30—11:30 AM Area Committee Meeting 1 PM—5 PM
All Southern Minnesota Area Assembly events are open to all members of Alcoholics Anonymous, except the Annual General Service Confer-
ence. Everyone is encouraged to attend, and participate in, all SMAA events.
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“Using the Concepts in My Life”
CONCEPT SEVEN - 2018
Balance of Power and Responsibility
This concept talks about the delicate balance between authority (power) and the group conscience. It doesn’t matter if that “group” conscience is from my Home Group, District, Area or from my family, work or other relationships.
I am always amazed when I see how each Concept is tied in with its corresponding Step and Tradition. My major shortcoming is relying on money, property or prestige as a barometer of my happiness and success, rather than TOTAL reliance upon God. How much money I made, how many toys I accumulated or the “tricked out” name tags I acquired were always my goals and unfortunately sometimes still are.
The Big Book says (Pg. 127) “…we found that we could not place money first. For us, material well being always followed spiritual progress; it never proceeded.” I become spiritually self-supporting when I place God first in my life. If spiritual growth is my primary purpose, I won’t want to take that 1
st drink or
be selfish with my time, money or love. If I were to place money, things, attention or lust first in my life, they then become my gods and I can only serve one master. Sometimes I become sidetracked and then I get those little “Spiritual Spankings”. When God wants my full attention, He gives me financial problems, relationship problems or health problems until I begin to rely on Him again, instead of myself, money, toys, recognition, people, places or things.
The second half of this Concept of Service is my guide to using the power of my talents correctly: “We are responsive to the group conscience concerning our service”. I cannot see my own shadow. I cannot see my character defects as easily as you can. If I am to be of “maximum service to God and to others”, I need to improve. I cannot improve until I become open and accountable to the group conscience.
This ‘group’ conscience most often speaks to me through my sponsor, my friends or my family. Sometimes when I am “hard of hearing”, I may need a little “Spiritual Spanking” to get my attention (maybe even a 2X4 across the noggin). As a business owner, if I provide sub-standard work, I may not get paid and won’t be hired again. As an employee, if I provide sub-standard work, I may get fired. If I am unloving, I may lose my family or close friends. If I don’t live a life of attraction, few will want me for a sponsor or even a friend. If I don’t work the AA Program, I may drink again. I need to be open to constructive criticism without being argumentative or defensive. This ‘group’ conscience is God’s Loving Way of talking to me. My job is to listen and apply changes in my life necessary to bring about good service to God and mankind. He allows me to correct the path of my life through openness and seeking advice of others.
One word tells me that I am not hearing the voice of the ‘group’ conscience, is when I perceive everything to be a “struggle”. Am I “struggling” in my sobriety? Am I “struggling” in my relationships? Am I “struggling” to make a living? If I am “struggling”, I am not trying to practice these principles, I am not being accepting and I am in deep trouble. I “struggle” when I don’t pray. I “struggle” when I don’t listen to others. I “struggle” until I surrender “my” way for “our” way. Then I stop fighting anyone or anything and I am allowed to achieve peace of mind.
Dave B.
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2018
HUTCHINSON TREATMENT VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE
2nd Wednesday every month 7:00 p.m.
July 11, 2018 Step Action Group, Hutchinson
August 8, 2018 Sunday Morning Hutchinson AA
September 12, 2018 Hutchinson Monday NA
October 10, 2018 Step Action Group, Hutchinson
November 14, 2018 By the Book Group, Glencoe
December 12, 2018 Sunday Morning Hutchinson AA
Contact Info: Step Action Group – Jeanne Holfield - 320-583-0790 or Dave Butler – 320-296-1693 By the Book - Ryan Voss – 320-510-0404 Hutchinson NA - Rick Anderson – 320-296-2030 Sunday Morning A.A. - Connie R. – 320-223-3166
Please note – Office closes at 5 p.m. and doors are locked. Please call 320-484-4610 to let them know you are coming. Ask for Outpatient Counselors – they will watch for you.
We Are Not A Glum Lot
1. A drunk was watching TV one night and his controversial congressman and gorgeous wife came on the screen. Jealous, the drunk turned to his wife and said, “it’s unfair that the biggest jerks in the world have the most beautiful wives.” Without missing a beat, his wife smiled and replied, “Why, thank you, dear.” 2. I know that I’m a good son, because that’s what my mom told me. I said that I was leaving home and never coming back. She said, “Good! Son.” 3. “I live in a dysfunctional household,” the drunk told the bartender, “and it’s really becoming a problem, since I live alone.” 4. A sign in a Mexican fishing village cantina: “If our drinks and service don’t meet your standards, please lower your standards.” 5. The only thing worse than dialing a wrong number at 4 AM is getting the right number. “Bad decisions make for good stories later….”
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District 17 Opportunities for 2018 Here is a quick look at ways to serve in the district:
Committees Archives – One of the most eye opening opportunities to learn about AA Grapevine – Learn about our “Meeting in Print” Literature - Read all about it, keep an inventory of materials, and learn a lot! Corrections – Carry AA’s message into facilities and connect through correspondence Treatment - Carry AA’s message into treatment and facilitate the TCP PI (Public Information) – Carry AA’s message to public venues, like county fairs and many potential avenues CPC (Cooperation with the Professional Community) – Carry AA’s message to professionals who encounter alcoholics in their business Newsletter – Publish monthly newsletter for AA’s to learn about activities in the district Group Records – Maintain records and order directories Technology – Maintain website and offer enhancement for this tool to carry the message Third Legacy – An AA servant that carries the message of our Third Legacy of Service
General Information The committee chairs will be appointed by the DCM, or in many cases by volunteer inquiry. Any AA member can serve on any committee. More information about specific duties can be found in our Trusted Servant Guidelines, or in the AA Service Manual.
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