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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
Saturday, Sept. 8: Rally4Recovery, Aquidneck Island, Pottsy Field, Middletown, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
www.rally4recoveryri.com
Saturday, Sept. 15: Rally4Recovery, Roger Williams Veterans Memorial Park, Providence, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.,
www.rally4recoveryri.com
Saturday, Sept. 22: Workshop "Tools to Aid Your Journey" sponsored by South Coastal Mass Intergroup, 1 to 4 p.m. at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital (Funkhauser Conference Room), 275 Sandwich Road, Plymouth, MA
Flyer
Saturday, Sept. 22: Central Mass will hold a workshop, A Stairway to Recovery: Together We Get Better, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Unitarian Church, 90 Holden Street, Worcester, MA. Looking for volunteers in the planning of this event. Email
[email protected] if you want to help.
Flyer
Saturday, Sept. 22: Rally4Recovery, Bristol Town Common, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., www.rally4recoveryri.com
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. Ocean and Bay Integroup will be represented.
Saturday, Sept. 29: Rally4Recovery, Northwest RI Community Care Alliance, Woonsocket, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
www.rally4recoveryri.com
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. 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.
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: 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
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
Vice Chair: Faith
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.
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
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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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Turning Over A New Leaf
Dear Fellow OA Member:
It's been a while since I have written a column; I thought I'd take a step back and provide the newsletter with more anonymity. Then I heard from some of you that you like the personal touch. I know that is also true when our local OA members answer the Q&A section or supply their own articles. I personally love readubg the experience, strength and hope of our local members -- like our Intergroup members answering questions about sponsorship (see below).
The other thing that prompted me to write was thinking about the expression, "turn over a new leaf." The end of summer, the start of school for many, fall activities, and other seasonal transitions always gets me thinking about change especially what can I do the coming season.
"Turn over a new leaf" is defined as "t
o make a
change
in one's
actions or
attitude"; "to
start to act or behave in a better or more responsible way"; and, "to change your
behavior
in a
positive
way." Wow! I don't know about you, but when I hear that, I think -- Overeaters Anonymous has given me that and I didn't have to wait for the start of a new school year, the next season, or even a Monday morning!
I "turned over a new leaf" the day I first made the decision to give myself to this simple program, and again when returning from relapse. From that point, there have been a series of smaller decisions that have added up to more change in actions and attitudes. It's amazing how many opportunities we get to change, grow, and make anew -- for the first time and sometimes over again.
In June I "turned over a new leaf" when at the advice of my dietitian I added physical activity (walking) to my daily schedule, part of my "plan of action." This is not exactly new, as I had walked and worked out previously when I had good physical recovery in program. I am returning to what works for me -- walking -- and what is necessary to take care of this part of my program. Now, I am looking forward to taking it to the next level and to start hiking with friends this fall -- with real hiking shoes and all! Another leaf to be turned -- literally one step at a time!
My hand in yours,
Leslie
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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, SEPTEMBER 4th 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 welcome. Your level of involvement is up to you -- NO PRESSURE. There is an upcoming opportunity to serve as an OBI officer.
Both the Chair and Secretary positions are up for election of 2019. Consider the joy of service. Also, the newsletter editor position will be opening up! :)
ALL OA MEMBERS are WELCOME to any and all Intergroup meetings!
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NEXT MONTH!!!
2018
REGION 6 CONVENTION
REGISTER TODAY! DON'T MISS OUT!
WE LIGHT THE WAY
OCTOBER 26-28, 2018
Holiday Inn By The Sea
Portland, Maine
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GIFT BASKETS NEEDED
FOR CONVENTION FUNDRAISER!
CAN YOUR GROUP HELP?
REGION 6 CONVENTIO
N
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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Rally4Recovery
Roger Williams National Memorial Park
282 North Main Street
Providence, RI
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Ocean and Bay Integroup will be represented at this great recovery event. Please stop by the table or even volunteer to spend some time representing OA. This is a great event that celebrates recovery for all -- alcohol, drugs, food, etc. Music and entertainment!
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"Tools to Aid Your Journey"
1 to 4 PM
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital (Funkhauser Conference Room), 275 Sandwich Road
Plymouth, MA
Sponsored by South Coastal Mass Intergroup
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"Abstinence and a Plan of Eating"
located at the corner of Broad and Elm streets Westerly, RI
Sponsored by SECT Intergroup
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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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Your Intergroup Officers & Reps
answer a few que
stions about their experience as a sponsor.
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When did you know you were ready to sponsor someone?
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My sponsor told me I was ready!
- When my sponsor tole me I was.
- As I worked the steps, I realized I was ready. My sponsor agreed.
I didn't. My sponsor told me I could sponsor. I learned that there were different levels of sponsorship in the workshop Ocean & Bay Intergroup held.
- When my sponsor encouraged me to start after finishing the 12 steps.
- A newcomer attended a meeting and I welcome her. She asked me to sponsor her and after speaking to my own sponsors and praying about it, I say "yes."
- After I finished the 12 steps in their entirety, I felt I had something that I could not wait to share.
- It's been a long time, but I think it just happened when I had something someone else found attractive and asked me to sponsor them.
How does being a sponsor help your program?
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It reminds me that this is a "WE" program. It keeps me honest! It helps me use the tool of the telephone.
- Keeps me on track, keeps me abstinent, keeps me sane.
- Helps me practice my program by giving it away, or paying it forward. The service is fulfilling.
- Keeps me honest in sharing my recovery.
- I know I have to be there for her so I need to keep a clear head. I can't help anyone if I'm in a food fog.
- It helps me tremendously! I have learned patience, service, non-judgement, and compassion on a new level.
- Reminds me of where I was and keeps me working it.
- I can't imagine doing this program without a sponsor or without a sponsee. It helps keep my program up front, keeps me connected, and reminds me that I need to be doing those same things I suggest to my sponsees.
What are some of the lessons and blessings you have received as a sponsor?
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To not give advice, to know I can't control someone's recovery or abstinence, and to pray before the call -- it helps when my HP hops on the line with me.
- Joy, discipline, compassion, patience, reverence.
- To stay open, not judge, love and compassion for all. Plus, patience and acceptance.
- Patience. Acceptance.
- Friendship, youthful outlook, encouragement, compassion, understanding, a different outlook on life.
- Accountability and continued abstinence one day at at time.
- That we each are ready when we are ready and it is OK, and that some of my sponsees become some of my dearest friends.
- I have learned that even though I want everyone who wants it to get it, some do, and some don't. My biggest blessing has been the deep relationships that develop through our common bond and understanding.
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"Made direct amends to such people wherever possible except when to do so would injure them or others."
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The series continues with discussion of Step Nine. Both speakers describe their own personal experience with doing Step Nine, giving specific examples of amends they have made. In addition, they emphasize the need to make amends in order to refrain from returning to compulsive eating, and to be released of the negative feelings or turmoil created by holding on to the amends. Also discussed is reviewing the list and practicing amends with a sponsor, remembering the principles of forgiveness and love for others, and that the focus of the amends should be on one's own role and behavior, being specific and actually making amends and changes. Suggestions are also provided for making amends to people who have died or are no longer in one's life. The second part of Step Nine is also stressed, ensuring that no further injury or insult occur due to inappropriate amends.
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Little gems and pearls of wisdom from meetings
and literature.
Program has given me GODfidence!
As I got bigger, my world got smaller.
Relapse is not a requirement.
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