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. John's
Episcopal Church, 8 Revere Street, Jamaica Plain, MA
Sponsored by Metrowest Intergroup
Tuesday, Dec. 6:
OCEAN AND BAY INTERGROUP MEETING
7 p.m.: Literature sales
7:30 p.m.: Meeting
St. Patrick Church,
2068 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI.
Saturday, Dec. 10:
EXPERIENCING THE 12 STEPS
1 to 4:30 p.m.
Church of Good Shepherd, 95 Woburn St., Reading, MA 01867
Sponsored by Northshore Intergroup
December 12th:
Twelfth Step Within Day! On this day, make a special point of reaching out to someone who is in program and needs support or to someone you haven't seen at meetings in some time. That phone call, text, or one-on-one meeting could make a difference in that person's journey.
Tuesday, Jan. 3: Mini Workshop sponsored by Ocean & Bay Intergroup, 6-7 p.m. Topic: HONESTY: IDENTIFY YOUR TRIGGERS AND TRANSFORM YOUR FOOD PLAN
St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2068 Cranston St., Cranston, RI
All welcome to attend Intergroup meeting that follows.
Tuesday, Jan. 3:
OCEAN AND BAY INTERGROUP MEETING
6 p.m.: Mini Workshop
7 p.m.: Literature Sales & Fellowship
7:30 p.m.: Meeting
St. Patrick Church,
2068 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI.
Ocean and Bay Intergroup Meeting
Saturday, Jan. 7:
WMI OA MARATHON
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. David's Church, Agawam, MA
Friday, Jan. 13: Source of Hope Meeting Anniversary (candlelight meeting), 6-7pm, Southwick Congregational Church, Southwick, MA
Saturday, Jan. 21: OA's Birthday (third Saturday in January)
Tuesday, Feb. 7:
Mini Workshop sponsored by Ocean & Bay Intergroup, 6-7 p.m. Topic: Easy Does It, But Do It!
St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2068 Cranston St., Cranston, RI
All welcome to attend Intergroup meeting that follows.
Tuesday, Feb. 7: Ocean and Bay Intergroup Meeting
6 p.m.: Mini Workshop
7 p.m.: Literature Sales & Fellowship
7:30 p.m.: Meeting
St. Patrick's Church,
2068 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI.
February 10-12: 2017 NH Intergroup Annual Retreat "Practicing these Principles in all our Affairs" at Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center, Greenfield, NH. Info 603-748-3609 or
nhiretreats@oanewhampshire.org.
Saturday, Feb. 25: UNITY Day at 2:30 pm (ET). This day recognizes the strength of the Fellowship worldwide. On the last Saturday in February at 2:30 p.m (ET), OA members pause to reaffirm the strength inherent in OA's unity.
Saturday, Feb. 25: UNITY DAY, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Plymouth, MA, sponsored by Cape Cod and South Coastal Intergroups
Tuesday, March 7: Ocean and Bay Intergroup Meeting
Tuesday, April 4: Ocean and Bay Intergroup Meeting
Saturday, April 8: Region 6 Spring Assembly, Radisson Hotel Albany, Albany, NY
Saturday, April 29: 12 Steps in 5 Hours led by speakers from Boston, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. David's Episcopal Church, corner of Rt. 12 and 214, Gales Ferry, CT For info:
kathyw19@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 2: Ocean and Bay Intergroup Meeting
June 2-4: WMI OA Retreat: A Weekend Walk Th
rough the Steps at Genesis Spiritual Center.
Tuesday, June 6: Ocean and Bay Intergroup Meeting
October 20-22: 2017 Region 6 Convention, Sheraton Parkway Toronto North, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
www.oaregion6.org/2017/
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PHONE SUPPORT AVAILABLE ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS
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DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve
DECEMBER 25
Christmas
Hanukkah
DECEMBER 31
New Year's Eve
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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 to members -- just ask.
In November, six groups donated a total of $269.10 to OBI. Ask your group when they last donated to Intergroup. Group support is needed to help pass the word of recovery.
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LIFELINE DEADLINE
APRIL 2017
Deadline: 12/15/16
TOPIC #1
The Most Important Person in the R
oom
Share your experience, strength, and hope about finding OA.
What has it felt like to come to a meeting, take a Step, or use a Tool? If you are a longtime OA member, how do you work your program to welcome the newcomer? How has working with newcomers boosted your recovery? What is your message for newcomers?
The OA Guarantee "Once we compulsive eaters truly take the Third Step, we cannot fail to recover"
(OA Twelve and Twelve, p. 27).
Are you still waiting to take the Third Step? Have you taken the Third Step but still face challenges? Did you take the Third Step only to discover you had to work the Step again? How has taking the Third Step given you faith in your recovery? Share how this guarantee of the OA program played a role in your recovery.
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Intergroup Board
CONTACT US
Corresponding Secretary - Lea
Others holding Intergroup positions: Natalie, Beth, Deanna, Kara, Sandy, and Leslie.
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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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__________________________
Meeting List
last updated June 2016
Meeting List
* Please call ahead to verify meetings are taking place, especially during holidays.
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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
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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: oceanandbayoa@yahoo.com.
You are also invited to be one of the members who provides answers for a Q&A. Again, just send us a note to: oceanandbayoa@yahoo.com.
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Dear Fellow OA Member:
K.I.S.S.
In the spirit of K.I.S.S.* during the holidays, I am putting that principle into play in this edition of "Waves of Hope." First, I am attempting to keep my column "short and sweet" (a challenge since there are so many possibilities for the twelfth month, twelfth step, end of year, holiday season, the list goes on). Second, you will notice there are a couple previously published articles that are included, as well as a plug for writing from Lifeline.
What is "original" this month is good, solid OA recovery. There are a couple articles on "Handling the Holidays," including valuable and insightful experience from your fellow OA members. Looking to the new year, our Ocean & Bay Intergroup is announcing the kick off of a series of mini-workshops that will run for one hour prior to the monthly intergroup meeting. The first one is Tuesday, Jan. 3rd at 6 p.m. and the topic is "Honesty: Identify Your Triggers and Transform Your Food Plan."
When I started to write about this approach to the newsletter, a lightbulb turned on. I realized that these concepts are just what I need to apply to my own life this holiday season. This is a great time to trim excess -- perhaps some foods, activities, full closets, and even behaviors. Likewise, repeating those things that work strengthen recovery -- prayer and meditation, calling a sponsor, going to meetings, step work, to name a few. These things I do not do alone -- I need the help of fellow members. Finally, I can look to keep my program fresh with events such as the new upcoming mini workshops -- sort of a gift to my program.
Oh dear, so much for short -- but hopefully sweet.
My hand in yours,
*Keep It Simple, Stupid (K.I.S.S.) is a design principle of the Navy dating back to 1960. "Keep it simple" was a phrase Dr. Bob used with Bill W. in AA's early days to remind him not to overwhelm newcomers with too much information. Variations include Keep It Simple Silly and Keep It Short and Simple.
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Ocean & Bay Intergroup News
All OA members are welcome to attend Ocean & Bay Intergroup (OBI) meetings held the first Tuesday of the month at St. Patrick Church, 2068 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI. The next meeting is
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6th at 7:30 p.m., with literature sales at
7 p.m. A new MINI WORKSHOP, "Honesty: Identify Your Triggers and Transform Your Food Plan," will start at 6 p.m.
See article for more details.
ELECTIONS: At the November meeting, Jay was re-elected to a second two-year term as OBI chair. Ellen O., who has been serving as interim recording secretary, was officially elected to the position. Thank you to both Jay and Ellen for their continued service to OA! Susanna P. will be retiring from her position as treasurer at the end of the month. Thank you for your dedication and service, Susanna. Sandy has graciously stepped up to fill in as treasurer for the next year. Bravo!
NEW MINI WORKSHOPS: Intergroup is sponsoring a series of mini workshops beginning in January. The one-hour workshops will be held at 6 p.m. prior to the regular monthly Intergroup meeting on the first Tuesday of the month. So far two workshops have been approved and scheduled: Tuesday, Jan. 3 -- Honesty: Identify Your Triggers and Transform Your Food Plan; and Tuesday, Feb. 7 -- Easy Does It, But Do It.
PUBLIC INFORMATION/PUBLIC OUTREACH: Intergroup is interested in forming a public information committee. Would you like to serve on it? Funds are available from World Service to help spread the word of recovery from compulsive eating.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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YOU ASKED FOR IT!
OCEAN & BAY INTERGROUP
presents
MONTHLY MINI-WORKSHOPS
(Before the monthly Intergroup meeting)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2017
at 6 p.m.
HONESTY:
Identify Your Triggers and
Transform Your Food Plan
St. Patrick Catholic Church
2068 Cranston Street
Cranston, RI 02920
Please join us after
7 p.m. Fellowship & literature sales
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Intergroup meeting
PS: Save Tuesday, Feb. 7th for mini workshop #2:
"Easy Does It, But Do It"
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A reminder -- your story is needed!
BODY IMAGE, SEXUALITY,
RELATIONSHIPS & RECOVERY
OA is developing a new publication and wants to hear your experience, strength and hope on the topics of body image, sexuality, and relationships. Help others by sharing how maintaining abstinence, using the Twelve Steps, and relying on a Higher Power has meant a life free from shame and isolation and one full of beauty, love and self-acceptance. (500 words)
MEN, YOUNG PEOPLE (18-35), LGBTQ, ALL MEMBERS
DUE BY JANUARY 7, 2017
Email your story to info@oa.org
with subject line "Body Image."
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HELP AROUND THE HOLIDAYS! 
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Keep your program u
p front and all else will fall into place. Remember what is most important during this busy holiday season.
2. PLAN.
The busier you are, the more a t
houghtful plan helps reduce stress. OA believes so strongly the importance of a having a plan that "ACTION PLAN" was added as a tool in 2011.
3. PREPARE.
Take the time you need to make sure you have your abstinent foods available and ready at all times. If you are attending an event where food is served, do what you need to do to ensure you have abstinent food. That could mean inquiring about the menu, bringing your own food, or eating before or after the event. Discuss prepping with your sponsor.
4. PRAY.
Give it all to God -- your food, your work, your family, and especially your expectations.
~ Anonymous
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In case you missed this last month:
YOUR ANONYMITY ON THE INTERNET
What do you say or not say on social media sites? Should your home group have its own "page"? Can you reveal your OA membership in a blog? Is it OK to share your email address if it contains your last name?
Find the answers in OA's
"Guidelines for Anonymity in the Digital World."
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FROM OA LIFELINE
TRY WRITING!
At sharing time in OA meetings, I sometimes read thoughts I have written down. Sharing thoughts and speaking out loud what I have written helps my recovery. Other members used to say, "You should submit that to Lifeline." But I thought, "If what I write is rejected, I'll feel rejected" or "What if it isn't good enough?" My fear of submitting to Lifeline was really all about me because I was still living in my disease. I was missing the point, which was, "Wow, that really helped me -- I bet others could be helped by it too!" After a few years, I finally realized what others meant by saying I should submit to Lifeline, so I sent in my first item. It was published in April 2015. Shortly after that, I submitted another and then forgot about it. Today I opened a letter that said my second submission would appear in the March 2016 issue of Lifeline. I'm telling this story to encourage you to take ten or fifteen minutes to write down your thoughts about something that means a lot to you. We walk in each other's shoes. Others can be helped by what we honestly, willingly-with HP's help-are able to say. Today, I understand that submitting to Lifeline is not about me. It's about throwing an emotional rope to others. It's about sharing over isolation. By writing what we think and sharing what we write, we speak out loud, just as we do in meetings. After I took the first step, the next seemed easier. I think it could be that way for you too if you will try writing to Lifeline.
Donna R., Urban, Illinois
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Treasure Chest
Little gems and pearls of wisdom from meetings
and literature.
Food is energy, not therapy.
Take the best and leave the rest.
Are you IN the program or AROUND the program?
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Step,
Tradition,
and Concept
of the Month
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STEP 12 - Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive overeaters and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
TRADITION 12 - Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all these Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
CONCEPT 12 - The spiritual foundation for OA service ensures that: (a) No OA committee or service body shall ever become the seat of perilous wealth or power; (b) Sufficient operating funds, plus an ample reserve, shall be OA's prudent financial principle; (c) No OA member shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority; (d) All important decisions shall be be reached be discussion, vote and, whenever possible, by substantial unanimity; (e) No service action shall ever be personally punitive or an incitement to public controversy; and (f) No OA service committee or service board shall ever perform any acts of government, and each shall always remain democratic in though and action.
*SPIRITUALITY i
s the Spiritual Principle of Tradition Twelve.
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WORDS OF WISDOM FROM FELLOW MEMBERS
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From Faith P.:
How do you handle the holidays abstinently?
I keep in mind what the true meaning of Christmas is. To me it is not food or presents -- it is a holy, spiritual day that I celebrate. I live it a day at a time just like any other day. I plan my food just like any other day and an action plan to take care of anything different. Enjoying the day -- that's what I do everyday! I make the day a special prayer day by using the tools of prayer and meditation. I take part in singing -- it refreshes the soul. I play holy music all day long. Also, I call people to give love and visit people to bring love. I focus on bringing our Savior's love to everyone rather than focus on food.
From Kara M.:
Do you do anything special to help prepare yourself for the holidays?
Yes, absolutely! I make a game plan, commit it to my sponsor, and stick to it. (Half measure avail me nothing!)
What is your biggest challenge during the holiday season?
The abundance of sugary treats. I see others eating with impunity (and seemingly without consequence) and I think "Hmmmm, that looks deeeelicious!" But then I remember that I have a body allergy and an obsession of the mind. I can't just stop at one. I am a compulsive overeater. I am powerless. And I turn my attention to other things besides the food.
How do you handle all of the extra foods that is part of the celebrations?
Prior to recovery, I spent far too many holidays either bingeing or restricting, and I had no serenity during "the most wonderful time of the year." While the enticement of certain foods is paramount during the holidays, the temptation can be overcome when I trust God, follow my food plan, and use the tools. I often pause to remember that extra food (especially sweets) is not what brings me joy. Today I know that nothing tastes as good as abstinence feels. That is the best gift I can give myself this holiday season.
What tips can you offer to stay abstinent during the holidays?
First, pause and pray. Second, use ALL the steps and tools. That means sticking to your food plan (no matter what), relying on a power greater than yourself, making a phone call (even when you don't want to), and doing service (it's slimming!).
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