|
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, 1 to 4 p.m., Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Plymouth, MA, sponsored by Cape Cod and South Coastal Intergroups
Saturday, March 4: Big Book Step Study Group 11th Anniversary, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Greenville Public Library, 573 Putnam Pike (Route 44), Greenville, RI. Take elevator to lower level.
Saturday, March 4: 12 Steps in 5 Hours, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. John's Episcopal Church, 8 Revere St., Jamaica Plain, MA. Marcela 617-501-6275.
Monday, March 6: Special Speaker Meeting sponsored by Southeastern CT Intergroup, 7 pm,
Union Baptist Church, 19 High Street, Mystic, CT
Tuesday, March 7: Mini Workshop - Tools: Reorganize Your Tool Box
St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2068 Cranston St., Cranston, RI
All welcome to attend Intergroup meeting that follows.
Tuesday, March 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.
Tuesday, April 4: Mini Workshop - Body Image: Learning to Love Myself
St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2068 Cranston St., Cranston, RI
All welcome to attend Intergroup meeting that follows.
Tuesday, April 4: 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.
Saturday, April 8: A Room With A View Anniversary, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Newport County YMCA, 792 Valley Road, Middletown, RI. Guest speakers, fellowship.
Saturday, April 8: Region 6 Spring Assembly, Radisson Hotel Albany, Albany, NY
April 28-30: OA By The Sea Retreat sponsored by Cape Cod Intergroup at Sacred Hearts Retreat Center, 226 Great Neck Road, Wareham, MA. Info: Gerry 508-896-3486. Registration prior to March 27, $200 pp double or $220 single.
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: Mini Workshop - 12-Stepping A Problem: Use the New OA Pocket Guide on Any Situation
Tuesday, May 2: Ocean and Bay Intergroup Meeting
May 1-6:World Service Business Conference - Growing OA Unity Worldwide (OBI will send a delegate)
June 2-4: WMI OA Retreat: A Weekend Walk Th
rough the Steps at Genesis Spiritual Center.
Tuesday, June 6: Sponsorship: I'm not Ready But My Sponsor Thinks I Am
Tuesday, June 6: Ocean and Bay Intergroup Meeting
Saturday, June 10: 12 Steps in 5 Hours, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. John's Episcopal Church, 8 Revere St., Jamaica Plain, MA. Marcela 617-501-6275.
October 20-22:
2017 Region 6 Convention, Sheraton Parkway Toronto North, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
www.oaregion6.org/2017/
|
|
_________________________________
PHONE SUPPORT AVAILABLE ON
MAJOR HOLIDAYS
 |
FEBRUARY 14
Valentine's Day
FEBRUARY 20
Presidents Day
FEBRUARY 25
OA Unity Day
|
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.
|
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.
|
LIFELINE DEADLINE
JULY 2017
Deadline: 3/15/16
TOPIC
Generally Speaking
Write on any topic that is meaningful to you!
|
Intergroup Board
CONTACT US
Corresponding Secretary - Lea
Other Service Positions:
Open positions: Prison Initiative Liaison, Public Relations/Public Outreach Committee Chairperson
|
|
|
_______________________
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
|
|
|
__________________________
Meeting List
last updated June 2016
Meeting List
* Please call ahead to verify meetings are taking place, especially during holidays.
|
|
|
____________________________
Ocean & Bay Website!
oceanandbay.org
includes events, meeting list, info for newcomers, and more!
|
|
|
_____________________________
LINKS
New England Intergroups
|
|
__________________________________________
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.
|
|
| |
|
Dear Fellow OA Member:
Powerful
I was reviewing our calendar of upcoming events and thought -- wow, how lucky are we to have so many OA activities in our backyard. In the next few months, here in the Ocean & Bay Intergroup area or within a couple hour drive we have workshops, special speaker meetings, anniversary celebrations, events recognizing OA, retreats, and step studies. So many great options -- I want to do them all! Wait, there is a mini workshop coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 7th called "Easy Does It -- But Do It." Oh, right, "Easy Does It" applies to my program, too. Maybe I can't do everything all of the time, but I can do what I need to do and with moderation. Oh, I can't wait for the workshop to help sort that out! Based on the first workshop last month, I trust this one will be just as great and as helpful to my program.
Speaking of "Do It," you will note that this newsletter focuses on sponsorship as a tool. If you are sponsor-less or considering becoming a sponsor, be sure to check out the insight of a couple of our local members and a guest contributor from a morning phone meeting. I don't know about you, but I get so inspired hearing the experience of others. They motivate and help me "Do It."
One more plug for OA events. Saturday, February 24th is Unity Day, when at 2:30 eastern time all OA members around the world are asked to pause and reaffirm the strength in OA unity. Can you imagine the power of intentions sent into the universe by thousands of OAs at the same moment? While there is an opportunity to go to an organized Unity Day event in Plymouth, Mass. (see Calendar of Events), no matter where you at 2:30 p.m. that day, please pause and take a moment to remember your OA fellowship. Together we can.... Powerful.
My hand in yours,
|
|
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, FEBRUARY 7th at 7:30 p.m., with literature sales at 7 p.m.
PRIOR TO THE MEETING -- THE 2nd IN A SERIES OF NEW MINI WORKSHOPS, "Easy Does It - But Do It" will start at 6 p.m.
FLYER
The first Mini Workshop was held in January with great success. Be sure to check out the reviews of that workshop posted below.
SPEAKERS SOUGHT FOR REGION 6: Intergroup has decided to support adding local speaker names to the Region 6 Speaker List rather than start its own list. If you have one year of abstinence and are interested in being considered as a speaker near or far, please go to
www.Region6oa.org to sign up or
click here.
|
5-STAR MINI WORKSHOP REVIEWS
Check out these comments from attendees at OBI's first Mini Workshop - "Honesty: Identify Your Triggers and Transform Your Food Plan" held last month. It proved to be a great kick off!
Q: What was the most useful part for you?
A:
Handouts, questions to get honest, stop-light exercise -- all of it!
A:
Writing down food and potential triggers.
A:
Exercises and hearing what other people answered.
A:
Being together, discussion, writing.
A:
The writing activities -- good structure, sharing, Q&A, pitches.
A:
It was well presented and very interesting.
A:
All of it -- I am on day one of abstinence again.
DON'T MISS THE NEXT WORKSHOP -- "EASY DOES IT, BUT DO IT" ON FEB. 7th at 6 PM!
|
OCEAN & BAY INTERGROUP
presents
EASY DOES IT - BUT DO IT!
MONTHLY MINI WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2017
at 6 p.m.
St. Patrick Catholic Church
2068 Cranston Street
Cranston, RI 02920
DOWNLOAD FLYER
|
BIG BOOK
STEP STUDY GROUP
11th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
SATURDAY, MARCH 4
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Greenville Public Library
573 Putnam Pike (Route 44)
Smithfield, RI 02828
Use the entrance to the left of the main entrance/stairs. Take the elevator to the lower level.
**************************************************************
**************************************************************
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
SATURDAY, APRIL 8
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Newport County YMCA
792 Valley Road (Off Route 138))
Middletown, RI
Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor.
|
Tools of Recovery
"In working Overeaters Anonymous' Twelve-Step program of recovery from compulsive overeating, we have found that a number of tools are available to assist us. We use these tools ... on a regular basis, to help us achieve and maintain abstinence and recover from our disease."
-
The Tools of Recovery p.1
TOOL OF THE MONTH
SPONSORSHIP
We ask a sponsor to help us through our program of recovery on all three levels, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Find a sponsor who has what you want and ask that person how he or she is achieving it.
|
ON BEING A SPONSEE
How did you select your sponsor?
I selected my sponsor using the words I heard at the Serenity meetings in South Kingstown: Find someone who has what you want. I wanted someone who was spiritual and who I felt wouldn't be wishy washy with me. Someone who would be fair and understanding but wouldn't let me get away with anything.
How would you describe your relationship with your sponsor?
My relationship with my sponsor is like student and pupil in one way, but also like friends who share a common problem.
What is the best advice/suggestion your sponsor has given you?
The best advise she gave me was to have trust in my higher power. To meditate and let go. Also to keep in touch and text my food. If I don't text my food, I find that it gives my mind the idea that I can eat more (after all....I didn't commit my food).
Sue W.
ON BEING A SPONSOR
What does being a sponsor mean to you?
Connecting with another compulsive overeater by working the steps possibly ending the isolation of another addict.
What is one of the most important lessons you have learned from being a sponsor?
Though a sponsee thinks they are willing and I can hear the food and disease talking, I stay grounded in the fact that I am powerless over food, I need to work my program not theirs and I need to maintain my own abstinence.
What advice/suggestions do you have for someone considering becoming a sponsor?
Pray about it and talk to your sponsor. I often talk to my sponsor about sponsoring.
Beth P.
|
|
CONNECTICUT
SPEAKER MEETINGS
Sponsored by Southeastern Connecticut Intergroup
Come Hear Personal Stories of Recovery & Abstinence!
|
Monday, March 6th at 7 p.m.: Union Baptist Church, 19 High Street, Mystic, CT
Other upcoming dates at various meetings (see flyer for details): Monday, May 22; Tuesday, July 11; Wednesday, Sept. 13; and Friday, Nov. 3.
|
Little gems and pearls of wisdom from meetings
and literature.
Call your sponsor when things are OK so that when things are not OK you will be OK!
|
IT'S AS EASY AS ANSWERING QUESTIONS BY EMAIL!
 |
Waves of Hope wants to hear from you. You can answer a few questions on a topic via email or submit your own writing on any topic! Send your contact info to oceanandbayoa@yahoo.com
|
|
|
Put
Program
in your Passwords!
|
 |
Letters, capitals, lower case, numbers, special characters -- what combinations make up your favorite passwords?
Try using a program slogan! Get creative with a mix of letters, numbers and special characters.
Here are a few examples:
- 1Day@atime
- EZdoesit!
- 12Steps4me
- Ido301
|
|
Step,
Tradition,
and Concept
of the Month
|
|
STEP 2 - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
TRADITION 2 - For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority -- a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
CONCEPT 2 - The OA groups have delegated to World Service Business Conference the active maintenance of our world services; thus, World Service Business Conference is the voice, authority and effective conscience of OA as a whole.
|
|
EXPERIENCE
STRENGTH
HOPE
SPONSORSHIP:
The Gift that
Keeps on GIving
|
|
There are many gifts I receive from sponsoring of which I am not consciously aware. However in this moment, the most significant aspect of sponsoring others for me is the opportunity to practice acceptance. Many years ago in recovery, a friend shared, "If you spot it, you've got it. If it makes you mad, you've got it bad!" I can say the same thing about irritation. The very trait or behavior that I find so irritating and grating in a sponsee, is a trait or behavior within myself I am not currently accepting. As I listen (oh so patiently!!!) to my sponsee and feel my irritation rise, I think about ending the relationship because
I certainly don't need to place myself in a position to feel irritated. Then I gently turn my finger back to myself and question why I am feeling irritated and what I can do to take care of myself. I continue to listen to my sponsee rattle on, remembering how many times my sponsors have listened to me during daily calls over the years. As she finishes sharing, I listen to her pray and thank her for calling. We talk briefly about touching base again the next day. I then hang up and take the next indicated action to take care of myself. And when we speak tomorrow, I might once again feel irritated, but I am more likely to feel peaceful knowing that it's not about her - it never was.
Atiya M.
Raleigh, NC
(Guest contributor)
Please be mindful that the experience shared herewith by these gracious members
is their own, does not represent OA as a whole.
|
|
| |
|
