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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
Third Annual Fall into Recovery: Practicing these Principles in All Our Affairs. Espousal Retreat House and Conference Center in Waltham. October 5-7, 2018. Check in Friday, Oct. 5 at 3 pm. All abstinent food / meals included in the Retreat cost ($175). Check out on Sunday, October 7 at noon. Register now. You are invited!
Saturday, Oct. 13:
4th Step Workshop,
1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Riverside Congregational Church, 10 Oaks and Bullocks Point Avenue, East Providence, RI.
Flyer
Saturday, Oct. 20:
"Abstinence and a Plan of Eating" workshop from 9 AM to 1 PM
at Christ Church located at the corner of Broad and Elm streets in Westerly, RI. Sponsored by SECT Intergroup. Flyer
Thursday, Oct. 25:
6th Anniversary of The Lincoln Group, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Lincoln Senior Center, Route 123, Lincoln, RI
October 26-28: 2018 Region 6 Convention, Holiday Inn By The Sea, Portland, Maine Website
NOVEMBER
Saturday, Nov. 3:
Workshop, "The Promises," sponsored by Courage to Change meeting (meets Friday nights, Garden City Centre) and Ocean & Bay Intergroup, 1 to 4 p.m., George C. Arnold Conference Center, 3 Regan Court, State of RI Campus (off Pontiac and New London avenues), Cranston, RI
Tuesday, Nov. 6: 10th Anniversary of For Today Meeting, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.
Flyer
Tuesday, Nov. 6: Ocean & Bay Intergroup Meeting
6 p.m.: Literat6ure Sales & Fellowship
6:30 p.m.: Meeting
Arnold Conference Center, Regan Building, 3 Regan Court off 111 Howard Ave., Cranston, RI
Saturday/Sunday, Nov. 17-18: Overeaters Anonymous celebrates
IDEA: International Day Experiencing Abstinence
the third weekend in November. This day encourages OA members worldwide to begin or reaffirm their abstinence from compulsive overeating.
DECEMBER
Tuesday, Dec. 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
Wednesday, Dec. 12: OA 12 Step Within Day. Reach out to someone in program who is still suffering with the disease of compulsive overeating.
Phone meetings all day by dialing 712-432-5200 and enter PIN 4285115#.
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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
Interim Vice Chair: John C.
Treasurer:
Sandy C.
Recording Secretary:Lisa
Corresponding Secretary:Lea
Other Service Positions:
Public Information/ Professional Outreach: Holly
Inmate Initiative: Natalie
Meeting List: Susan R.
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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.
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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WSO A STEP AHEAD
THIRD QUARTER 2018
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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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LIGHTING THE WAY
Dear Fellow OA Member:
These days it's getting dark earlier every night, and although I don't particularly like it, I no longer use it as an excuse not to walk. Well, tonight I dropped one of my flashlights on my walk. I actually had three lights with me as I was pushing my sleeping granddaughter in a stroller; I had one on me, and two on the stroller. One of the lights fell, which I didn't notice until later on my walk (might I add it was about the time I switched from listening to a meeting on my phone to taking a call). Once home I got in my car and headed out looking for the lost flashlight nearly a mile away (it's not like it was all that valuable in terms of money, but I liked it). I drove down the streets I walked, swung around one particular area a second time, and voila -- there was the lone light still shining on the side of the dark street.
Light -- symbolic of so many things in the Overeaters Anonymous program of recovery. It is even the theme of the Region 6 Convention in Portland, Maine, October 26-28 -- "We Light The Way."
Think of how dark it was before OA or for those of us "relapse survivors," during a period of relapse. When I didn't attend meetings, I had no light, no hope. Going to meetings gives me more than one source of light -- just like taking three flashlights on my walk. I consider my lights to be God, meetings, prayer and meditation, sponsorship, fellow members, service, abstinence, my food plan, and more. I have heard it said by some that they go to meetings, have a sponsor, pray to God and do service, and they are not sure which one keeps them in recovery, so they'll just keep doing them all. For me, they are my flashlights that light up the dark -- and I need them all. And if one drops off for a bit or needs a new battery, I am grateful to have the others to continue lighting the way until I get the other back.
My hand in yours,
Leslie
P.S. Hope to see you at the Region 6 Convention, We Light The Way, in Portland, Maine. If you are not attending, thank you for keeping the doors of OA open in Rhode Island. You never know who is going to walk through the doors.
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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 NEXT MEETING IS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2nd at 6:30 p.m. at
Arnold Conference 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
).
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT INTERGROUP? Come to a meeting! Everyone is welcome. Your level of involvement is up to you -- NO PRESSURE.
Lisa has accepted the position of recording secretary as Ellen was unable to complete the term. Thank Ellen for your great service to date and to Lisa, thank you for setting up.
There is an upcoming opportunity to serve as an OBI officer -- Chairperson and Treasurer positions are open.
Each serve a two-year term with a maximum of two terms. Consider the joy of service. Jay has served two terms now and is not eligible to serve again. Sandy C. has served two years as treasurer and is eligible to serve two more years.
ALL OA MEMBERS are WELCOME to any and all Intergroup meetings!
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Finally - It's This Month!
2018
REGION 6 CONVENTION
REGISTER BY OCTOBER 12th!
WE LIGHT THE WAY
OCTOBER 26-28, 2018
Holiday Inn By The Sea
Portland, Maine
Remember the last day to register or buy the meal plan or banquet is October 12th.
After this Registration at the door is $75.00 and the meal plan and banquet are no longer available for sale.
Conventions cannot happen without people giving service! In that spirit, please review the following opportunities to help make the Portland, 2018 convention a successes.
1.
To sign up for service, please click here:
2.
To sign up to lead a session, please click here:
3.
Consider donating or asking your group/meeting or intergroup to provide a raffle basket. A flyer is attached on how to do that.
4.
Consider donating your talent and time by signing up for the talent show Friday evening. A flyer for signing up is attached.
Here's a peek at what's happening at the Convention. Check it out now and make plans for which workshops you might like to attend, or even lead if you feel called to do service! Share your experience, strength, and hope.
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GIFT BASKETS NEEDED
FOR CONVENTION FUNDRAISER!
CAN YOUR GROUP HELP?
REGION 6 CONVENTIO
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Portland, Maine
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Simply bring a themed basket to the Region 6 Convention (Oct. 26-28) with you for the fundraiser raffle. They don't have to be fancy, even a gift bag will do! Baskets will be raffled at all four of the general speaker sessions Friday night, Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday morning.
Ideas: Local culture, gift cards, sports themed, outdoor activity, arts & crafts, R&R, pets, games, children's, fall decorations, gardening, birding, Christmas, kitchen tools/linens, money tree... use your imagination!
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Riverside Congregational Church
10 Oaks and Bullocks Point Avenues, East Providence, RI
Sponsored by Thursday Night Meeting in Riverside
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WORKSHOP!
"Abstinence and a Plan of Eating"
7 Elm Street (corner of Broad Street), Westerly, RI
Three recovering overeaters and one recovering anorexic will share their story of abstinence and food plans. There will be an opportunity for questions & answers.
Sponsored by Southeastern Connecticut Intergroup
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25th
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Lincoln Senior Center
150 Jenkes Hill Rd. (Route 123) in Lincoln.
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George Arnold Conference Center
(On State of RI Campus off Pontiac and New London avenues)
Sponsored by Courage to Change Meeting (Friday nights, Garden City Centre) and Ocean & Bay Intergroup
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6th
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
324 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI
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Do you ever get temptations or cravings and how do you handle them?
Jeanne: I get temptations quite frequently, usually when I feel hungry, angry, lonely or tired, but also for no apparent reason. I can have a craving because I have an acute sense of smell (chocolate, popcorn, etc.) and the constant visual input can certainly get to me--billboards, TV commercials and the like. I talk out loud sometimes and just say "that is not my food" or "that's none of your business, Jeanne".
Sandy: My temptations are around eating MORE of my abstinent foods that I need physically. When that happens, I wait 20 minutes to see if I still feel hungry or if it was just an emotion disguised as hungry.
How does your recovery differ today than it did when you were a newcomer?
Jeanne: In many ways it is easier because my food plan is pretty predictable and doesn't change too much from day to day. In the beginning I had to do a lot more thinking about food choices, preparation time including shopping and cooking.
Sandy: Today I have a lot more foods on my "red light" list. But I don't mind, in fact it makes me feel relieved.
What does it mean to you to be "in it for the long haul"?
Jeanne: I am a food addict who compulsively overeats, so I know I need to have a plan to deal with food one day at a time, day in and day out. It means that I know deep on a cellular level that this is for the rest of my life, be it "one day at a time". Having an action plan to deal with this day's choices for nutrition is imperative to my health and sanity. I am grateful for the structure OA affords me in addition to the support of other members.
Sandy: I cannot imagine my life without OA and all the support I get inside program.
What motivates you to keep working your program?
Jeanne: The serenity and peace of mind I have is a result of working the 12 Steps and a gift from my Higher Power. It is the "pearl of great price" and the foundation of why I keep working my program. I want to fully live my life, to be happy, joyous and free; OA gives me a framework for that. My way of saying thank you is to continue to "pay it forward," to educate my health care providers when needed and be the best example to others of how the OA program works in my daily life.
Sandy: I have noticed in the last year that I am starting to like myself! I want more of that for myself and I want to support anybody who's also looking for self-acceptance.
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"Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it."
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This week the speakers share their stories of their experience, strength, and hope. Both speakers describe their personal experience with Step Ten. Perseverance is the spiritual principle of this Step. Continuing to do a personal inventory daily helps us identify character defects and feelings that come up unexpectedly and see if we need to make amends to anyone. Working with a sponsor also helps us with the process of Step Ten. We cannot rest on our laurels if we are to continue our journey of recovery on a daily basis.
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Little gems and pearls of wisdom from meetings
and literature.
We don't put controls on things that don't need controls.
If food were the problem, food would be the solution.
No B.L.T.s -- Bites, Licks, Tastes.
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