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WELCOME 2019!
FEBRUARY
Tuesday, Feb. 5: Ocean & Bay Intergroup Meeting
6 p.m.: Literature Sales & Fellowship
6:30 p.m.: Meeting
Arnold Conference Center, Regan Building, 3 Regan Court off 111 Howard Ave., Cranston, RI
Friday-Sunday, February 8-10: NHI Annual Retreat, Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center,
Gr
eenfield, NH. Sponsored by New Hampshire Intergroup.
www.oanewhampshire.org
Sunday, Feb. 24: OA Unity Day, hosted by Ocean and Bay Intergroup, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Ray Conference Center, Butler Campus, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI.
Download Flyer
MARCH
Tuesday, March 5: Ocean & Bay Intergroup Meeting
6 p.m.: Literature Sales & Fellowship
6:30 p.m.: Meeting
Arnold Conference Center, Regan Building, 3 Regan Court off 111 Howard Ave., Cranston, RI
APRIL
Tuesday, April 2: Ocean & Bay Intergroup Meeting
6 p.m.: Literature Sales & Fellowship
6:30 p.m.: Meeting
Arnold Conference Center, Regan Building, 3 Regan Court off 111 Howard Ave., Cranston, RI
Saturday, April 6: Greenville Big Book Step Study Meeting celebrates its Anniversary, 9 a.m., Greenville Public Library, 573 Putnam Pike (Route 44), Greenville, RI.
Saturday, April 13: A Room With A View Meeting celebrates its Anniversary, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 200 Turner Road, Middletown, RI. Guest speakers and fellowship!
MAY
Tuesday, May 7: Ocean & Bay Intergroup Meeting
6 p.m.: Literature Sales & Fellowship
6:30 p.m.: Meeting
Arnold Conference Center, Regan Building, 3 Regan Court off 111 Howard Ave., Cranston, RI
JUNE
Tuesday, June 4: Ocean & Bay Intergroup Meeting
6 p.m.: Literature Sales & Fellowship
6:30 p.m.: Meeting
Arnold Conference Center, Regan Building, 3 Regan Court off 111 Howard Ave., Cranston, RI
June 21-23: Tranquility - Living the Principles Retreat, Incarnation Conference, Center, Ivoryton, CT Sponsored by Southeastern CT Integroup
Flyer
Tuesday, July 2 Ocean & Bay Intergroup Meeting
6 p.m.: Literature Sales & Fellowship
6:30 p.m.: Meeting
Arnold Conference Center, Regan Building, 3 Regan Court off 111 Howard Ave., Cranston, RI
AUGUST
Tuesday, Aug. 6 Ocean & Bay Intergroup Meeting
6 p.m.: Literature Sales & Fellowship
6:30 p.m.: Meeting
Arnold Conference Center, Regan Building, 3 Regan Court off 111 Howard Ave., Cranston, RI
SEPTEMBER
Tuesday, Sept. 3 Ocean & Bay Intergroup Meeting
6 p.m.: Literature Sales & Fellowship
6:30 p.m.: Meeting
Arnold Conference Center, Regan Building, 3 Regan Court off 111 Howard Ave., Cranston, RI
OCTOBER
Tuesday, Oct. 1 Ocean & Bay Intergroup Meeting
6 p.m.: Literature Sales & Fellowship
6:30 p.m.: Meeting
Arnold Conference Center, Regan Building, 3 Regan Court off 111 Howard Ave., Cranston, RI
Oct. 18-20: Region 6 Convention, "Rooted in Recovery," Crowne Plaza, White Plains, NY
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PHONE SUPPORT AVAILABLE ON
MAJOR HOLIDAYS
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MARATHON PHONE MEETINGS ARE HELD ON
ALL MAJOR HOLIDAYS
EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR BEGINNING AT 8 A.M. AROUND REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS. EACH MARATHON HAS A TOPIC FOR THE DAY.
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Seventh Tradition
The Seventh Tradition states OA is fully self-supporting, accepting contributions only from OA members. Groups may send either monthly or periodic donations (via mail or in person) to Intergroup. Thank you for your donation, which helps us to spread the word of recovery. Intergroup treasurer reports are always available -- just ask.
On average, six groups donate each month. Does your group donate on a regular basis?
To send donations (payable to Ocean & Bay Intergroup) via mail:
Ocean and Bay Intergroup
Attn: Treasurer
P.O. Box 41273
Providence, RI 02940
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LIFELINE MATERIAL WELCOME
Not all writing for Lifeline needs to be a specific topic for a specific month. Below is a list of ongoing material OA's magazine, Lifeline, accepts for publication. For examples, refer to any issue of Lifeline.
DEPARTMENTS (No Deadline)
- Bits and Bites: Add to our collection of short inspirational quotes and recovery wisdom.
- What Works for Me: How do you work your program, and what difference has it made?
- Step Study, Living Traditions, Service and Recovery, and The Spiritual Path: Share about the month's Step or Tradition or send a story about service or connecting with your HP
- Newcomers Corner: Newcomers, share your OA experiences and concerns.
- Share It (Letters to the Editor): Was a Lifeline issue or story special for you? Tell us!
OTHER MATERIALS (No Deadline)
Lifeline accepts artwork and photos (no faces, please) for publication. Credit lines and rights to submitted work apply equally to articles, artwork, and photos. The WSO does not return submitted materials. Lifeline may edit articles and crop photos.
Send to: Lifeline, World Service Office, PO Box 44727,
Rio Rancho, NM 87174-4727 or
email to
[email protected]
with subject "Lifeline."
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Intergroup Board
CONTACT US
Other Service Positions:
Public Information/ Professional Outreach: Holly
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Mission & Vision
Ocean & Bay Intergroup is dedicated to supporting individuals in need of recovery from compulsive eating (e.g.: overeating, bulimia, anorexia) through carrying the OA message and empowering all meetings within the Intergroup.
1. Help members strengthen their personal recovery
2. Increase the number of sponsors
3. Increase the number of newcomers
4. Increase the retention of newcomers
5. Help those in relapse
6. Inspire people to give more service
7. Increase outreach activities, including outreach to members and healthcare professionals
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Local Meeting List
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IMPORTANT!
GROUP CONTACT INFORMATION: Please check your group contact name and phone number on the local Ocean and Bay Meeting List. Send changes to
Also, check your meeting listing and contact info on the Overeaters Anonymous website meeting list at
oa.org. The oa.org website listing is different than the local meeting list and must be updated by your meeting contact person.
* Please call ahead to verify meetings are taking place, especially during holidays.
FIND A MEETING ACROSS THE U.S. AND BEYOND -- FACE-TO-FACE, ONLINE, AND TELEPHONE!
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Ocean & Bay Website!
oceanandbay.org
includes events, meeting list, info for newcomers, and more!
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LINKS
New England Intergroups
Ocean and Bay Intergoup
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__________________________________________
Please note that every effort has been made to adhere to OA's policy for newsletter publications.
Opinions and experiences expressed within are those of the individual writer and not OA as a whole.
REMINDER: This is your newsletter, so please feel free to submit your writing contributions to: [email protected].
You are also invited to be one of the members who provides answers for a Q&A. Again, just send us a note to: [email protected].
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UNITED WE STAND
Dear Fellow OA Member:
Later this month Ocean and Bay Integroup is hosting the area's celebration of UNITY DAY! It will be quite an honor on Sunday, Feburary 24th to welcome OA members from neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut, with some travelling from New Hampshire and Maine as well. That day, we will gather together to recognize that unity is our strength. We come in our weakness and stay strong because of our unity.
Tradition One states why unity is important ... "personal recovery depends upon OA unity." Had you even though about that -- that your own program, abstinence, spirituality, step work, and more rely on everyone being unified? That's a tall order and why it's in the First Tradition!
If you've never been to a Unity Day celebration -- come this year! Come hear the experience, strength and hope of guest speakers, enjoy fellowship, and maybe even perform a little service. This one is for you -- and everyone -- all together -- unified.
Hope to see you there!
My hand in yours,
Leslie
PS Speaking of unity -- the Region 6 Convention flyers are out!
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Ocean & Bay Intergroup News
All OA members are welcome to attend Ocean & Bay Intergroup (OBI) meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month.
THE NEXT MEETING IS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5th at 6:30 p.m. at:
Arnold Conference Center in the Regan Building
3 Regan Court (off 111 Howard Avenue)
Cranston, RI 02920
UNITY DAY 2019
Ocean and Bay Integroup is hosting the annual Unity Day event on Sunday, February 24th, 1-4 p.m. at Ray Conference Center on the Butler Campus, Blackstone Blvd., Providence. Lisa is the even chair and anyone else who would like to work on the committee is asked to attend the next Intergroup meeting. The committee will meet following the meeting.
SPECIAL APPEAL LETTER
Look for upcoming news on a special appeal letter to help fund sending our World Service Delegate to represent Ocean and Bay Intergoup at the World Service Business Conference in May!
LATEST IN LITERATURE
The new second edition of Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions and its accompanying Workbook are both available for sale at Intergroup for $15.
Journals are available for $15 each; limited printing!
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT INTERGROUP? Come to a meeting! Everyone is welcome. Your level of involvement is up to you -- NO PRESSURE.
ALL OA MEMBERS are WELCOME to any and all Intergroup meetings!
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UNITY DAY
OCEAN & BAY INTERGROUP IS HOSTING
OA's UNITY DAY!
THIS IS A BIG DEAL! We are expecting OA members
from neighboring states to attend!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24th, 2019
Ray Conference Center, Butler Campus,
345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI
Speakers - Sharing - Fellowship
This day recognizes the strength of the Fellowship worldwide. On the last Saturday in February in even years and the last Sunday in February in odd years, OA members pause to reaffirm the strength inherent in OA's unity.
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13
th Anniversary Celebration
Big Book Step Study Meeting
9 a.m.
GREENVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
573 Putnam Pike, Route 44
Smithfield (Greenville), RI
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A Room with a View Group's
22nd ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
GUEST SPEAKERS!
SATURDAY, APRIL 13th
9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Special location! (Not the YMCA)
Calvary United Methodist Church
200 Turner Road
Middletown, RI
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REGION 6 CONVENTION
Rooted in Recovery
October 18-20, 2019
Crowne Plaza
White Plains, New York
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OBESITY IN RECOVERY
In my group, there are several people who talk up the Steps, Traditions, and abstinence-but also are very obese. This has been going on for more than twenty years. One of them doesn't ever talk about food. They are all very involved in recovery. Is there anything I can do, besides pray, to change the situation? I believe they are abstinent, but am sure they just eat the wrong foods. It is not my idea of what the program teaches us.
The best thing we can do-in all things-is to be the best example we can be. Step Three in The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous states: "In OA, however, there's no list of foods and measurements or dos and don'ts which defines abstinence" (p. 21). We each define our own abstinence. We each work our program in our own way with the help of a sponsor and a Higher Power. We can pray for others and for our groups, but the results are out of our hands. At times I also like to remind myself of Step One. If I've truly accepted that my own life has become unmanageable, I can't possibly know what's best for others.
WSBC 2016
PHYSICAL RECOVERY - NEWCOMERS' PERCEPTION OF FELLOWSHIP
What do you suggest we say to newcomers who feel discouraged by overweight or obese members who claim to be abstinent or say they are longtimers, but are not in the process of losing weight or maintaining healthy weight?
To begin addressing newcomers' concerns, share with them OA's Third Tradition: "The only requirement for OA membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively." Elaborate by quoting OA's Statement on Abstinence and Recovery: "Abstinence in Overeaters Anonymous is the action of refraining from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors while working towards or maintaining a healthy body weight. Spiritual, emotional, and physical recovery is the result of living the Overeaters Anonymous Twelve Step program" (Business Conference Policy Manual, 1988b, amended 2002, 2009, 2011).
OA members are in various stages of the compulsive-eating illness and recovery. Our program cautions us not to judge another member's abstinence, program, or recovery. A helping hand extended to move them along the OA road of recovery helps members, as does accepting them where they are. Emphasize the stability of the OA program and point to your success and the success of countless numbers of compulsive overeaters experiencing recovery on all three levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Suggest they attend different meetings, seek recovering members who have what they want, and ask those members for help. Suggest the value of reading the excellent OA literature, such as To the Newcomer; Abstinence, Second Edition; and Overeaters Anonymous, Third Edition.
As we come to meetings, we learn and practice as best we can, staying focused on our own recovery and letting others stay focused on theirs.
- From World Service, January 2014
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Use this guide* with suggestions of what to say and what not to say when speaking to someone about OA for the first time.
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DON'Ts
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I don't tell people that OA is the only way.
* I try not to sound like a preacher or give a speech.
* I don't judge other people, and I don't label them as compulsive overeaters.
* I don't talk about another's shape or weight, only my own.
* I do not mention specific spiritual or religious beliefs.
* I don't speak about OA to someone new unless he or she shows an interest.
* I don't try to "sell" the Twelve Step program or exaggerate about it.
* I don't promise anything.
* I don't put down diets or methods of weight loss; I don't compare OA to other programs.
* I don't give too much information about meetings and how it all works; the best way to understand is to come to a meeting.
* I don't give unsolicited advice or suggestions.
* I don't rush people into making a decision.
* I don't argue.
* I don't shut the door. Even if someone is not interested now, he or she may be interested in the future.
* I don't try to give away what I don't have.
From WSO publication "Carrying the Message"
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Simply resume.
God isn't concerned with your comfort -- He is concerned with your growth.
If all I hear is God saying "no," then I don't hear Him saying "yes."
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
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