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MAY
Saturday, May 5:
12 Steps in 5 Hours Workshop sponsored by SE Connecticut Intergroup, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. David's Episcopal Church, Gales Ferry, CT. The workshop will take participants through the 12 steps using the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Flyer
JUNE
Monday, June 4: CT Speaker Meeting at 7 p.m., Union Baptist Church, 19 High Street, Mystic, CT, sponsored by Southeastern CT Intergroup.
Tuesday, June 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
Sunday, June 10: OA Nature Walk, 1 to 2 p.m. (or longer if you would like) at Save the Bay, Providence Center, Save the Bay Drive, Providence -- enter through Johnson & Wales Harborside campus. See flyer for details: RSVP Jen at [email protected] by 6/9.
Flyer
June 22-14: 12th Annual Retreat, Tranquility Through the Twelve Freedoms, Incarnation Conference Center, Ivoryton, CT
Flyer
JULY
Tuesday, July 10: 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
Monday, July 16: CT Speaker Meeting at 7 p.m., St. Paul's Lutheran Chruch, 56 Great Hammock, Road (Rt. 154), Old Saybrook, CT
AUGUST
Tuesday, August 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
Saturday, August 18: OA
Sponsorship Day where sponsorship is recognized around the world!
SEPTEMBER
Tuesday, Sept. 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
Tuesday, Sept. 25: CT Speaker Meeting at 7:30 p.m., St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 15 Pearl Street, Mystic, CT
Saturday, Sept. 29: Region 6 Fall Assembly in Albany, NY
OCTOBER
Tuesday, Oct. 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
October 5-7: Mass Bay Intergroup's Fall Retreat,
Practicing These Principles in All Our Affairs, Waltham, MA.
October 26-28: 2018 Region 6 Convention, Holiday Inn By The Sea, Portland, Maine
Website
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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.
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Intergroup Board
CONTACT US
Corresponding Secretary - Lea
Other Service Positions:
Public Information/ Professional Outreach: Holly
Inmate Initiative: Natalie
Meeting List: Deanna
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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
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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.
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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: [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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Apologies from your newsletter editor for being a few days late! For many months now I have done all I could to get the newsletter out in a timely fashion, that is by the first of the month, and so it has been. However, these two past weeks were jammed with life, including a move, and I had to be realistic about what I could and could not accomplish during this period. I hate having limitations; but, I learned in program that I do and that is OK. The good news is that I was able to include some things that would not have made an earlier publication. There are some great happenings! Enjoy!
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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. The May meeting was held on Tuesday, May 1st at its new start time -- 6:30 p.m. Literature sales take place prior to the meeting, 6 to 6:30 p.m.
THE NEXT MEETING IS TUESDAY, JUNE 5th!
NOTE NEW TIME!
The OBI monthly meeting has a new start time -- one hour earlier. Literature sales are from 6 pm to 6:30 pm and the meeting begins at 6:30 pm and end by 8 pm. The new time provides an additional half hour if needed to complete business.
A reminder that the meeting is at its new meeting location:
Arnold Conferenge Center in the Regan Building
3 Regan Court (off 111 Howard Avenue)
Cranston, RI 02920
This location is easily accessed from Routes 95, 37 and 295. Howard Avenue runs between Pontiac and New London Avenues (
link to map
).
MINI WORKSHOPS 2018
In April, the first workshop of the year, Abstinence, was held on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Some 30 participants enjoyed hearing from fellow members about abstinence and even had a chance to unlock their creative juices with an art project of sorts to visualize corralling non-abstinent behaviors and foods from those things that support abstinence.
Look for more news on upcoming Mini Workshops in the next newsletter!
REGION 6 SPRING ASSEMBLY
We have a great report from an Assembly Newbie, who was part of the Ocean and Bay representation at the Spring Assembly. See his report below!
INTERIM VICE CHAIR
John C. has been elected as the Interim Vice Chair of Ocean and Bay Intergroup while the current Vice Chair is out on extended leave.
ALL OA MEMBERS are WELCOME to any and all Intergroup meetings!
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A BLUE DOT AND THE REGION 6 SPRING 2018 ASSEMBLY
I was blessed and fortunate to attend the Region 6 Spring 2018 Assembly (the "Assembly") held on April 14, 2018, in Albany, New York. Due to the addition of a couple of new meetings' affiliation over the past year, Ocean & Bay Intergroup ("OBI") was entitled to have 3 voting representatives attend this year. I met the Region 6 Rep qualifications and was voted by OBI to be the third rep. Along with Kara M. and Jay G., we drove up to Albany on Friday, April 13th. On Friday evening and Saturday morning, I was able to attend OA meetings held at the hotel. It was inspiring to hear Region 6 members share their experience, strength, and hope in program. The meetings were a great way to start the weekend! After the morning meeting, I attended the newcomer orientation and met other first timers to the Assembly. I was also given my 'blue dot' (signifying that this was my first time). As a newcomer, there was a lot of information to digest but I took as much in as I could. Later that morning, I met with the Committee I was selected to - 12th Step Within. I must admit I was not too familiar with the committee but I quickly learned that its purpose is to reach out to those in the fellowship who still suffer and may have strayed away from OA. The discussion led to coming up with ideas to attract members back to program through a variety of means: making phone calls on the 12th of each month, hosting a 12th Step Within workshop, dealing with diversity among members, and maintaining sponsor/speaker banks. The end of the committee meeting led to lunch where I sat with different members from other parts of our Region including New York, Massachusetts, Montreal, and even Nova Scotia! It was great to just sit and talk in a relaxed setting and get to know a little of other members. After lunch, it was down to business: adoption of standing rules/agenda/2017 minutes, officer reports, committee reports, budget motions, and by-law amendments. Later in the afternoon, there was a workshop held by the 12th Step Within committee which was quite entertaining and informative. The day then ended with Tradition discussion by the Region Six Trustee, Karin. I found this half hour or so very fascinating! I am someone not too familiar with our OA traditions so this was a great lesson in dealing with some issues that were raised by attending members in their local groups. My day then ended with the First Timer's Ceremony whereby I got to remove my 'blue dot' from my name tag! I have to admit, it felt pretty awesome. I also got a plastic frog from the Region Chair, Debbie. I did not know what the frog was for but someone later explained it was for
Fully
Relying
On
God! Overall, this was a tremendous experience for someone like me who is relatively new to the program (just a little over 9 months!). I got to meet some wonderful people who dedicate a lot of their time and effort to 'keep the ball rolling' at the Region level. I am amazed at how much gets accomplished in such a short time. It is also very inspiring to see so many giving service! But one of the really great things about this trip was experiencing the fellowship with others. Everyone is very welcoming, kind and supportive. Our disease is universal and knows no boundaries but you meet so many that are fighting the good fight all over the country (and Canada!). It reminds me how fortunate I am to have found this program and to be able to share this with such great people. I am truly grateful!
Respectfully submitted,
Anthony M.
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Join your fellow OA members for a gentle walk -- rain or shine!
OA NATURE WALK
SUNDAY, JUNE 10th
Save the Bay, Providence Center, Save the Bay Drive, Providence -- enter through Johnson & Wales Harborside campus.
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2018
REGION 6 CONVENTION
Registration is Open
OCTOBER 26-28, 2018
Holiday Inn By The Sea
Portland, Maine
ROOMS ARE LIMITED!
Volunteers are needed for many service positions.
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TRADITION 5
IN ACTION
TUNE IN WEDNESDAY, MAY 23rd!
1020 a.m. WADK 1540 AM
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Tradition 5 states: "Each group has but one primary purpose - to carry its message to the compulsive overeater who still suffers."
So, it's fitting that later this month three of our OA members are going to do a 10-minute radio spot on a Newport RI radio station to "carry the message".
Listen in on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 10:20 a.m. to WADK 1540 AM, to this live interview highlighting OA during the morning "Talk of the Town" show. Ten minutes will go by quickly so wish us luck! We are sure that our Higher Power will lead us in the right direction and hopefully get the word out about recovery to many listeners. Please tune in and tell others about it!!
Yours in service,
Jeanne D.
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FOR SALE AT INTERGROUP MEETING JUNE 5th
JOURNAL
EXCLUSIVE JOURNAL, created by Ocean & Bay Intergroup, an original
60-day guided journal featuring space for recording your food plan, daily writing, gratitude, evening reflection, and 10th Step review. It also includes a list of morning and evening prayers and Twelve Step inspiration!
Limited printing.
$15
New!
The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
of Overeaters Anonymous
SECOND EDITION
OA's keystone book-The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, Second Edition is updated and improved, 28 years after is first publication.
Created specifically as a study of the OA Twelve Step recovery program, the OA Twelve and Twelve, Second Edition has been revised for clarity and inclusivity-with a restructured Step Four chapter to increase usefulness. Read how, through working the Twelve Steps and studying the Twelve Traditions, members have found "physical, emotional, and spiritual healing that we don't hesitate to call miraculous." Copyright 2018. Softcover; 180 pages; indexed.
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"Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs."
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The Step Five workshop speakers share about how the promises of Step Five came true for them. One speaker qualifies on working the first four Steps to arrive at Step 5; the who, what, where, when, how and why of doing a Fifth Step; and the necessity of working this Step. "We will be more reconciled to discussing ourselves with another person when we see good reasons why we should do so. The best reason first: If we skip this vital step, we may not overcome drinking." (Alcoholics Anonymous p.72) The second speaker tells her OA story and the importance of working all the Steps. She shares about multiple techniques her sponsor showed her to inventory, how to be fearless when taking the Fifth Step and the relief she felt after completing it. "As we complete Step Five, we may feel many emotions, among them humility, elation and relief. We often feel nearer than ever before to our Higher Power and more loving and trusting of other people. Whether we feel these things or not, we can rest assured that we are nearer to God and more capable of trusting others." (The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous p. 51) Referenced Material:
Alcoholics Anonymous
and the
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous
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Little gems and pearls of wisdom from meetings
and literature.
Find someone who has what you want and ask that person how they work their program.
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Carrying the message to healthcare professionals and friends
By Sam S.
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I recently went to a dietitian to assist me with my food plan. I was excited when she shared with me that she was familiar with OA and showed me some of our literature! It was refreshing, as no other healthcare professional that I've gone to knew about our program.
Our Public Information/Professional Outreach (PI/PO) committee would love to share the attached pocket reference from oa.org on helpful ways on how to carry the message to them. From the attached pdf "Your healthcare visit is a rare opportunity to introduce OA to
caregivers and professionals in your community who can make a difference to the still-suffering among us."
I also wanted to share that I was recently on my way to lunch with a friend who was visiting from out of town. While driving to the restaurant, she commented about how different I seemed. How much clearer, how balanced, even and positive I was. She also
asked me questions about how I had achieved my weight loss and started discussing her own struggles with food and weight. So, I told her honestly how I got there: through OA, the
steps, and a Higher Power. I shared a little more of the story of my life in the disease. She felt comfortable enough to share more with me as well.
It still amazes me how two different people growing up in different decades, area codes, and upbringings share the same story. My friend told me she was glad I had a program like that in Rhode Island and wished she could find something similar in her area. A couple of
clicks on the oa.org website, and I found multiple local meetings near her home. I sent her the link and suggested she take the 15 Question survey. She sent me a message a week later. After answering the questions, she had 12 "yeses" and was going to her first meeting
that weekend!
Welcome to OA, my friend. Welcome Home!
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