SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org

I am responsible when anyone,

anywhere, reach-es out for help, I want the hand of

A.A. always to be there, and for that I am respon-

sible.

November 2018 Volume 42, No. 11

life·line | \ ˈlīf-ˌlīn : A rope or line used for life-saving, typically one thrown to rescue someone in difficulties in water.

2. A thing on which someone depends for a means of escape from a difficult situation. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com

Gratitude is always in order, but many groups have designated November as a particular time to give thanks

to the A.A. program. It has been that way since the 1940s. when the General Service Board held small

"gratitude dinners," which were replaced in the 1960s by bigger and more elaborate "gratitude luncheons."

These get-togethers, which Bill W. would address, were occasions for A.A. members to express their appre-

ciation for the program. More importantly, it was A.A.'s opportunity to meet with members of the media to

thank them for their sympathetic coverage. According to a G.S.O. memo at the time, the aim of the functions

was, "to advance A.A.'s public relations by bringing editors, publishers, writers and broadcasters in personal

contact with sources o1'reliable information on the movement." The luncheons, which later were deemed too

expensive, ended in 1968. Why November became Gratitude Month in the U.S, (in Canada, it is in October)

is uncertain. lt may have something to do with Bill W.'s mistaken notion for a time that his sobriety began in

November, instead of its actual start date of Dec. 1. There are clear connections to Thanksgiving, though. In 1956 and 1957, there were floor

actions at the annual General Service Conferences recommending that Thanksgiving week in those years be designated "A.A. Gratitude Week."

The floor action suggested that this "be noted in the annual pre-Thanksgiving appeals to the groups for funds to help worldwide services." How-

ever it was that November became Gratitude Month, A.A.s early on saw that staying grateful was important in staying sober. Acceptance may

be the answer to all our problems, but gratitude has to be a close second. As many in A.A. have discovered, gratitude is a sure cure for self-

pity. And can you be resentful at the same time that you're grateful? Some in recovery will coax their thinking onto spiritual lines with gratitude

lists. If not forced to look in black and white at what they have been given, too many A.A.s find they can drift off into a reverie about what they

imagine they've been denied. Being quick to take credit for what has been a gift also takes its toll. Bill W. once detected in himself a strain of self

-congratulation for his contribution to A.A. Seeing that this attitude was cutting him off from his fellow A.A.’s, he reflected. "How much better it

would have been had I felt gratitude rather than self-satisfaction; gratitude that I had once suffered the pains of alcoholism; gratitude that a mira-

cle of recovery had been worked upon me from above...." (Grapevine 1946). Some groups will hold Traditions meetings in November to remind

themselves of the rich heritage of A.A. Others have topic meetings on the various aspects of gratitude, such as "gratitude is not passive" or

"giving it away." During the course of the year, many members of the Fellowship send a gratitude gift of one or two dollars for each year of so-

briety on their anniversaries to their local intergroup or to the General Service Office. As Bill W. wrote in a letter in 1959, "If you carry the mes-

sage to others, you will be making the best possible repayment for the help given you." http://www.sfvaa.org/2007-10.pdf

STEP ELEVEN: “Sought, through prayer and meditation, to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understand Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”

Prayer and meditation are personal actions that reflect your understanding of your Higher Power. If you are a member of a recognized faith, you

will probably find guidelines on when and how to pray and meditate. If you are not a member of a system of belief or thought that gives a specific

regimen for prayer and meditation, you have options to adopt systems that fit within your understanding of a ‘spiritual life.’

Prayer: Many members of our fellowship refer to prayer as talking to God, meditation is listening. Some people believe in a deity which they call

God. If their Higher Power, God, is in charge, is everywhere, knows everything and makes all decisions, what is their purpose in prayer? They

cannot tell God something God does not know. They cannot negotiate a ‘better deal’ than what God has decided. They cannot go somewhere

God will not see what they do. If you are one of these people, Prayer is the time you make yourself honest. You can tell God that you are scared.

You can be honest about your desires and try to make yourself willing to accept what you do or do not receive. Almost all members of AA say

that the best prayer is “Thank you.” Recovery Reader – Second Edition – p.201

Meditation: Meditation can confuse many people. It can include a formal system of words, music or actions, or it can be a simple way of calming

the inner turmoil to find a calmness from which healthy decisions can be made. If you have a tradition that gives you guidelines and methods, you

may benefit from applying those guidelines to your own practice of meditation. If you have not had a method of meditation before getting into

recovery, there are many books, recordings and classes you can consider to learn a method that works for you. The most important thing about

meditation is that you make the effort. Meditation is a tool to provide calm in turmoil, quiet in chaos, and a foundation on which to build healthy

decisions and actions. In the early days of AA, while it was emerging from the Oxford Group, the members observed “quiet time,” at home to start

the day, and at the gatherings to begin the meeting. This was a group meditation, after which the member of the group would discuss any guid-

ance that had been received on his or her problems. Many groups maintain the original Oxford Group observance of quiet time at the beginning

of their meetings. Recovery Reader – Second Edition – p. 202 http://www.silkworth.net/downloads/pdf/rr%202b%20trade%20stripped%

204mb.pdf

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 2

The holidays can be a difficult of time when you’re trying to stay sober. This may be especially true for new-comers. Here are a few ideas on how you can strengthen your sobriety during these times:

Meetings: If you attend meetings regularly, now is not the time to stop attending. The holidays can be a stressful time when trying to “fit in” seeing family, buying gifts and all of your regular activities. But if going to a meeting is helping you stay sober than it is imperative that you continue doing so. Even if you’re going on a holiday trip to see the family, find meetings in that area before hand, and make it a point to attend them. A good tip is to have your meetings planned out. That way you can make your schedule around your meetings and be prepared. This makes it much easier to get to all the places you need to without getting stressed out over time. Recovery comes first!

Christmas Parties: This is a tricky one, a lot of business’s and friends will probably have some sort of holiday party. If you plan on attending, try to bring a sober friend. It doesn’t hurt to have someone to keep you accountable while at these parties. If you make the decision to attend a holiday party, always remember that you can leave at any time. If the party starts to get out of hand or people start getting a little too drunk, your best bet is to simply leave. Don’t worry about hurting someone’s feelings or what people will think. Get out of there if you need to.

Seeing the Family: Families can be a trigger for many struggling in sobriety. Make sure your family knows where you stand with your sobriety. If you find yourself struggling, call a sober friend and talk to them about it. Don’t ever feel guilty if you feel you need to re-move yourself from a family situation. This may be uncomfortable for you in the short term, but it is important to look at the big bigger.

The biggest priority is to stay sober. If this means removing yourself from a family party, that is cer-tainly better than drinking.

Talking to Someone: Talking to someone is always a good idea. No matter what the circumstanc-es, having someone to talk to can change your perspective. It is recommended to talk to your sponsor every day when you are home for the holidays. If you can’t talk to your sponsor, make sure you have your support group handy.

In the same respect, make sure you are available to others who may need to talk to you. Being available for other people is just as important as reaching out. It is a group effort! If your support group is strong, you will all have an easier time over the holidays because you can be there for each other.

Remove Expectations: The holidays bring with them a variety of expectations, whether they be on you or on someone else. Don’t let these presumptions deter you in any way. You can’t pretend to know anyone else’s situation and you can’t expect them to know yours. Keep it simple and enjoy the season. Anytime I go home with expectations, I find that I end up disappointed. Make it easy on yourself and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens. Be cool and let things play out the way they are going to.

Help Someone Else: You’re not the only one going through a rough time. Look around you, there are plenty of people that have less than you. Helping other people is always the best way to help yourself. Get out of your own head and make yourself feel better by serving others. There is no greater contribution to this world than someone who serves another. When you make someone else’s life better, you will be filled with a feeling of joy and purpose. What better way is there to spend your time dur-ing the holidays than to give back. Show gratitude and help other people who have less than you. You will be amazed at what this does for your own life.

Enjoy the Season: I know how hard it can be to enjoy yourself when there is so much going on around you, but give it an honest effort. It can be easy to forget that the best part of the holidays is spending your time with family. Try and enjoy what’s going on around you. People are festive this time of year and instead of resisting that feeling, embrace it. Joy spreads.

Stay Away from Things that Recall Bad Memories: This is the time of year for reruns of old movies and Christmas songs that may jar certain feelings. You know what is going to stir up these emotions. When I come home for the holidays, I stay out of my own neighborhood. People, places and things are still a very real concern. Driving around the old street corners and reminiscing about the bars you used to hang out at is a terrible idea. It only takes a split second for a relapse to occur. The best relapse prevention technique is to stay away altogether.

Down Time: The holidays provide a lot of down time. Don’t use these days to dwell, instead try and find a way to help someone else, go to a meeting or do some shopping for yourself or someone else. Find something productive to do with your time. Down time gives you the chance to get in your head and the last thing you need to time and space to start “thinking” of some good ideas. Instead try and find a way to help someone else, go to a meeting or do some shopping for yourself or someone else.

Use Your Resources: There are many tools at your disposal to stay sober, many of which I listed here, use them. We can’t do this by ourselves. Help is here, you just have to reach out. https://sobernation.com/10-tips-on-staying-sober-during-the-holidays/

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 3

When I was out there being all I could be with drink, I was always volunteering to

help friends and neighbors usually because there would be something in it for me,

most of the time it meant alcohol. As time went on the alcohol took its toll and I

wasn’t asked to help out due to my drunken alcoholic behavior.

After years and years of trying to sponsor myself and getting into more and more

trouble, I went into a rehabilitation center. I had been a frequent attendee of AA,

just long enough to make whoever I needed to satisfy (family, judge, probation,

work and MVA) happy enough to leave me alone. While in rehab, I was required to

go to AA meetings every day. In my 39 years of legal drinking I had never asked

anyone for help, but before I could get out of rehab I was required to get a sponsor.

I finally got the nerve up to ask someone - he asked me, “Are you willing to go to

any length to achieve sobriety"? I had told him yes, but I really thought I was lying

at the time. Fortunately that has not been a lie for the last 6 years. I remember how

he kept telling me how I need to go to meetings, get a home group and get a ser-

vice position.

On the night I got a home group, I became the coffee maker. They handed me the key and told me coffee needed to be

ready a half hour before the meeting. I would set the chairs up, put out the literature and have the coffee ready. Our home

group was small at the time 6-8 members. I made coffee for about 3 years, then I was asked to chair the home group. At

my home group (a Big Book meeting), I was advised by my sponsor to read the 2 pages prior to the meeting so I knew

what we were talking about. I really started having a feeling of accomplishment. I was asked to be the Secretary, which

got me going to other meetings to find out who was celebrating anniversaries and what the different groups were doing.

When the Treasurer position opened up, I then really started to see where group donations were going and how the group

supported AA as a whole. When we would get sufficient amount of funds accumulated, I would ask for a group conscience

to see how the group wanted to distribute the funds. After taking on the GSR position, I reported back to my home group.

I realized that I was really coming into my AA program, learning how we function at both the group and district levels.

Soon after, I volunteered for the District Secretary position. I was not a computer savvy person, but I thought this would

help me grow. I had no idea that it was going to be one of the best things I have ever done. To be able to meet and talk to

all the GSR’s, see how their meetings are doing and what their topics are - a whole new world of AA opened up for me. To

watch my home group double in size, to see all of our District committee position being filled, to see the District grow

through the groups with camping trips, bowling nights, successful workshops, successful alcathons and

picnics. I’ve served the District as a Workshop chairperson, which has been highly rewarding through

reaching out, offering the hand of AA, and giving back what was given to me.

Currently I am the District Treasurer, working on our upcoming fiscal budget while also serving as SMIA

Secretary. I find that with service work I am able to grow in my sobriety as well as helping another fellow

alcoholic with sobriety. It’s a beautiful thing. - Buddy F.

TWELFTH STEP GOLD

Tradition 11: "Walk like you talk," I heard. If I could do that, I knew there would be a suffi-cient difference in my way of living and think-ing to be noticeable by example, and there should be no necessity for me to blow my own horn. I didn't need to break my arm by patting myself on the back for staying sober, either (millions of people have been doing that for centuries). Tradition Eleven reminded me not to take personal credit for anything that I might do; ego and personal ambition have no place in AA life.

D.K. Oakland CA AA Grapevine, March 1982

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 4

I know who you are. You are “X” who attends the “ABC Meeting” at the “XYZ Club” where AAs meet in Anywhere,

U.S.A. I saw you there the other night at the eight o’clock meeting. I don’t know how long you’ve been sober, but I

know you’ve been coming around for a while because you spoke to a lot of people who knew you. I wasn’t one of

them. You don’t know who I am. I wandered into your meeting place alone the other night, a stranger in a strange

town. I got a cup of coffee, paid for it, and sat down by myself. You didn’t speak to me. Oh, you saw me. You glanced

my way, but you didn’t recognize me, so you quickly averted your eyes and sought out a familiar face.

I sat there through the meeting. It was okay–a slightly different format but basically the same kind of meeting as I at-

tend at home. The topic was gratitude. You and your friends spoke about how much AA means to you. You talked

about the camaraderie in your meeting place. You said how much the people there had helped you when you first

came through the doors–how they extended the hand of friendship to make you feel welcome, and asked you to come

back. And I wondered where they had gone, those nice people who made your entrance so easy and so comfortable.

You talked about how the newcomer is the life’s blood of AA. I agree, but I didn’t say so. In fact, I didn’t share in your

meeting. I signed my name in the book that was passed around, but the chairperson didn’t refer to it. He only called on

those people in the room whom he knew.

So who am I? You don’t know, because you didn’t bother to find out. Although yours was a closed meeting, you didn’t

even ask if I belonged there. It might have been my first meeting. I could have been full of fear and distrust, knowing

AA wouldn’t work any better than anything else I’d tried, and I would have left convinced that I was right. I might have

been suicidal, grasping at one last straw, hoping someone would reach out and pull me from the pit of loathing and self

-pity from which, by myself, I could find no escape. I might have been a student with a tape recorder in my pocket, as-

signed to write a paper on how AA works–someone who shouldn’t have been permitted to sit there at all but could

have been directed to an open meeting to learn what I needed to know. Or I could have been sent by the courts, want-

ing to know more, but afraid to ask.

It happens that I was none of the above. I’m just an ordinary drunk with a few years of sober living in AA who was trav-

eling and was in need of a meeting. My only problem that night was that I’d been alone with my own mind too long. I

just needed to touch base with my AA family. I know from past experience that I could have walked into your meeting

place smiling, stuck out my hand to the first person I saw and said, “Hi. My name is —-. I’m an alcoholic from —-.” If I

had felt like doing that, I probably would have been warmly welcomed. You would have asked me if I knew “Old So-and

-so” from my state, or you might have shared a part of your drunkalogue that occurred in my part of the country. Why

didn’t I? HALT. I was hungry, lonely, and tired. (The only thing missing was angry, and three out of four isn’t a good

place for me to be.)

So I sat silently through your meeting, and when it was over I watched enviously as all of you gathered in small groups,

talking to one another the same way we do in my home town. You and some of your friends were planning a meeting

after the meeting at a nearby coffee shop. By this time I had been silent too long to reach out to you. I stopped by the

bulletin board to read the notices there, kind of hanging around without being too obvious, hoping you might ask if I

wanted to join you, but you didn’t.

As I walked slowly across the parking lot to my car with the out-of-state license plates you looked my way again. Our

eyes met briefly and I mustered a smile. Again, you looked away. I buckled my seat belt, started the car, and drove to

the motel where I was staying. As I lay in my bed waiting for sleep to come I made a gratitude list. You were on it,

along with your friends at the meeting place. I knew that you were there for me, and that I needed you far more than

you needed me. I knew that if I had needed help, and had asked for it, you would have gladly given it. But I wondered. .

.what if I hadn’t been able to ask? I know who you are. Do you remember me? Fran D. -

Copyright © The AA Grapevine, Inc. (March,1991). Reprinted with permission.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 5

We will comprehend the word serenity and we will

know peace.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Guy A., 12yr

(What’s the

Point)

2

Ian F., 1 yr

(Cove Point)

3 Jeff L.,

14yr (We Wuz

Wurz)

Justin N., 2yr

(Saturday

Evening Seren-

ity)

4 5 6

Wayne S.,

31yr

(Hollywood)

7

Ed P., 38yr

(Sunrise Se-

renity)

8

Pat S., 34yr

(Charlotte

Hall Veter-

ans Home)

9

Billy G., 1 yr

(Beginners

at Noon)

John K., 8yr

(Cove Point)

10

11

Shelly W.,

5yr (ODAAT)

12

Bill L., 8yr

(Mt Harmo-ny)

13 14 15 16 17

18

Scott Y., 1yr

(KISS )

19 20 21 22 23

Cindy B.,

33yr (Glad)

24

26 27 28 29

Jeanine W.,

22yr (St

Charles Step)

Becky B., 9yr

(Poplar Hill)

30

November 2018 NOVEMBER 2018

25 Josh, 1yr (Solomon’s)

Freddie S., 13yr (Drunks R Us)

Kathy R., 1yr (ODAAT)

Katherine L., 4yr (ODAAT)

Jaime J., 6yr (ODAAT)

Peggy K., 21yr (ODAAT)

WE ARE GOING TO KNOW

A NEW FREDOM AND A

NEW HAPPINESS.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 6

DECEMBER 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

Rene G.,

29yr (St

Mary’s City)

3 4

Dino, 7yr

Kayla B., 2yr

(both Tues-day Night Big Book)

5 6

Freddie V.,

10yr (What’s

the Point)

7 8

9

Nancy S., 2yr

(Drunks R

Us)

10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23

24 25

Steve H., 28

yr (Brown

Bag)

26 27 28

29

30 31

Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. - George Bernard Shaw (Submitted by David Y.)

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 7

MY HOME GROUP ST. CHARLES STEP - Thursday Nights @ 8:30, Peace Lutheran Church, Waldorf, MD

My home group was founded in the fall of 1982 by a couple who moved to Waldorf from

Maine. Lauren and Bill realized the importance of the Steps in sobriety, so they began St.

Charles Step Group. Lauren and Bill moved out of the area in the spring of 1982, however

the St. Charles Step Group carries on! The group became an “official” registered meeting of

Alcoholics Anonymous in October 1986. St. Charles Step Group has been my Home Group

since I started my journey in sobriety in 1996. We celebrated our 30-year Group Anniver-

sary in 2016. Bill has passed on, but we received this beautiful letter from Lauren C.:

HAPPY 30TH ANNIVERSARY ST. CHARLES STEP GROUP!

When I came crawling into AA in 1980 in Maine, I was done. Although only 33,

you could call me a first-nighter. A rarity, I now realize. Anyway, I was taken.

..no, astounded, by the raw honesty when people spoke of their drinking. I

had never heard anything so refreshing.. and without shame.

Anyway, I learned a lot in the two years of sobriety I accumulated before

coming to Waldorf: the main things being to follow directions, and to not

drink and go the meetings. I was never good at following directions (who IS

in this fellowship? Ha!)….

I learned that if I really wanted to “do” the program, I needed to take the

Steps seriously. Also, it seemed to me that people who came back in after

relapsing seemed to all say they “didn’t bother” with the Steps. So, my hus-

band Bill and I started a Step meeting after we moved here.

And here you are…sitting in this very meeting started so many years ago!

Still having that meeting…and discussing how you practice the Steps. That

is AMAZING! Many churches don’t last nearly that long!

If you’re willing to take the Steps seriously, you will find your way to becom-

ing a mentally healthy person. Without resentments, willing to forgive

slights. Being able to give of yourself. To admit you are powerless over alco-

hol. Able to admit you are wrong. The Steps get you there. Keep going to

Step Meetings, and if you live here, go to this Step Meeting, You will recover!

Thank you for being here. And congratulations for continuing to keep this

meeting alive for yourselves and the others that will follow you.

Lauren C.

(Many thanks to Jeanine W. for sharing this)

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 8

HEARD AT MEETINGS...

"In high school I used to write my own absen-teeism notes. I did this so often I realized I had quit school--one day at a time." ...

The Early Bird Group Will Be

close on 11/10/2018 for the Grati-

tude Dinner as all home group

members will be working or at-

tending the SMIA event.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 9

SMIA GRATITUDE DINNER Jack Foreaker The Recovery Show”

November 10, 2018 6:30pm. Tickets $20/each

For more information: Be sure to mention that you are participating

in the 2018 National Corrections Conference to receive the $109 per

night reduced rate. All room reservations must be booked directly with

the Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks before October 2, 2018. Hotel

offers free shuttle service from/to Portland International Jetport.

FRIDAY November 2, 2018 2PM Registration opens

3PM Early Bird Meeting

7PM Opening Meeting

SATURDAY November 3, 2018 8AM Speaker Panels

(continue throughout the day) 6PM Saturday Night Banquet

7:30PM Speaker Meeting

SUNDAY November 4, 2018 8AM Speaker Panels

www.2018NationalCorrectionsConference.org

2018NCCInfo@gmail.com

(207) 441-7981

2018 National Corrections Conference

Sponsored by:

S.M.I.A.

For more information

or tickets:

240-496-0211

or email

rev.john13@hotm

ail.com

New York Strip Roast w/Au-Jus and Sau-téed’ Mushrooms Pecan Encrusted

Salmon w/ Balsamic Glaze

Chicken Dijon Whipped Potatoes w/ Bacon, Chives Herbed Rice Pilaf

Roasted Vegetable Medley

Autumn Baby Car-rots

Assorted Artisan Rolls

Gratitude Cake

Immaculate Conception Church

28297 Old Village Rd. Mechanicsville, Md.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 10

HOT OFF THE PRESS!! One Big Tent is a col-

lection of stories, originally published in Grapevine,

which represent the shared experience of secular

AA members who have struggled with alcoholism,

yet ultimately found a common solution in AA.

Atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers and secular alco-

holics have been members of the AA Fellowship

since its earliest days, making significant contribu-

tions to the development of the program, helping

to swing the doors of AA ever-

wider. But finding their path has

not always been easy. In One Big

Tent, these members share how

they found their place in AA, work

the program, do service and spon-

sor others. To order for only

$11.50, simply click here.

ON THE 11TH STEP. . .

“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand Him,

praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”

It is often wisely said in A.A. that we should not become over-anxious, should not expect to get the whole program

overnight, but should take the steps one at time when we feel that we are ready for them. This means that although

we are not ready at a given time to take this step or that one and are, therefore, not then taking it, we should be dis-

posing ourselves toward it. It never means that we should plan on avoiding any of the steps.

Practice of the 11th Step is the surest method of disposing oneself toward all the other steps. It was only through

seeking contact with God through meditation and prayer that some of us came to believe in Him and became willing

to turn our wills and our lives over to Him. The wish to improve that contact, the searching for knowledge of His will

for us and the power to carry it out, gives us strength to make amends, to do the things necessary to remake our

lives.

Unless we improve our contact with God we will gradually lose it. There will be a slow return to indifference and we

will suffer that let-down that so many experience after a few months in A.A. Gradually old desires return with increas-

ingly great urgency. The alteration in conduct that we have made for a few months has not been sufficiently sus-

tained to lead to a change in character, and the deeper habit patterns reassert themselves. Growth in spiritual under-

standing alone will dispose us to make the effort to recondition ourselves, to change our emotional attitudes and

bring about a true character change.

For specific suggestions for practicing the 11th Step we turn to the book Alcoholics Anonymous, as we do on all A.A.

questions, before going ahead on our own. Applying the wisdom we find there, we turn with newly awakened interest

and intensity to the practices of our particular religious denomination, if we have one; we sometimes select and

memorize a few set prayers; we may study the recorded thoughts of others; but in any event we make it a practice in

the morning to ask God to guide us during the day, and thank Him at the day’s close for His many blessings. We are

careful never to pray for our own selfish ends, but ask especially for freedom from self-will and knowledge of God’s

will for us.

Some of us have found the following verse helpful on awakening, when all our wishes and hopes for the day rush at

us like wild animals; the first thing we must do is shove them all back, and listen to that other voice, letting a calmer,

quieter, stronger life flow into us: ”Every morning rest your arms awhile upon the window-sill of Heaven and gaze

upon your Lord, and with that vision in your heart turn strong to meet your day.” All of which, of course, is calculated

to keep us from taking that first drink. It works –it really does. R. D., Garden City, New York A.A. Grapevine,

September 1945, Vol. 2 No. 4

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org

Treasurer’s Report -

NOVEMBER 2018

The Seventh Tradition

states that Alcoholics

Anonymous is self-

supporting through

our own contributions.

The contributions help

to cover the group’s

expenses. But the Sev-

enth Tradition is more

than simply paying for

rent and other group

expenses. It is both a

privilege and a respon-

sibility of individual

groups and members

to ensure that our or-

ganization, at every

level, remains forever

self-supporting and

free of outside influ-

ences that might divert

us from our primary

purpose. The monetary

amount of each contri-

bution is secondary to

the spiritual connec-

tion that joins us in

unity with A.A. groups

around the world. -

GSO

This past thirty days have been a challenge, as

expenses were higher than contributions and

Bookstall Sales. This has been the overall

trend for the year, which may result in an ex-

amination of our budget for the next fiscal

year, assuming contributions do not increase.

We should be careful for the next 30 days re-

garding expenses. We still have an outstand-

ing invoice for Where and When printing for

$1552.00. This could be paid from the Pru-

dent Reserve if necessary, which still has

$6992 in total assets. I will make a trip to the

Post Office the weekend of November 3rd to

pick up new contributions. Please encourage

your respective groups to make contributions.

Top Ten Contributors Honor Roll

Revenue by Donor Summary

May 1 - October 25, 2018

Beach Beacon $727.00

Sunday Morning

Sobriety $540.00

Anonymous Donor $500.00

Back to Basics $335.00

La Plata $328.20

Almost Normal $300.00

Solomons Group $275.00

Drunks R Us $225.00

231 Group $183.50

Waldorf Group $177.31

Southern Maryland Intergroup Association Inc

Revenue by Donor Summary

October 13-25, 2018

231 Group $62.50

Almost Normal $200.00

Beginners $25.00

Cobb Island Group $50.00

Contributor Not Identi-

fied $71.92

Laurel Grove $50.00

St. Charles Step

Group $19.90

Waldorf Group $81.08

TOTAL

(Continued)

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 10

Southern Maryland Intergroup

Association Inc

Statement of Activity

October 13-25, 2018

Total

Revenue

Bookstall Sales $350.50

Contributions $560.40

Total Revenue

$910.90

Gross Profit

$910.90 Expenditures

Lifeline Printing $44.80 Phone Answering

Service $563.45

Web Hosting Fee $72.54

Total Expenditures

$680.79

Net Operating Revenue

$230.11

Net Revenue

$230.11

Statement of Financial Position

As of October 25, 2018

Total

ASSETS

Current Assets

Bank Accounts

Bookstall Cash on hand $100.00

Business Savings (1168) $6,992.11

Petty Cash $57.70

Primary Business Check-

ing (6806) $1,415.63

Total Bank Accounts

$8,564.63

Total Current Assets

$8,564.63

TOTAL ASSETS

$8,564.63

Opening Balance Equity $11,762.54

Retained Earnings $ - 280.64

Net Revenue $ - 2,917.27

Total Equity

$8,564.63

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY

$8,564.63

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 11

One of the most important things in recovery is helping the still suffering alcoholic. The SMIA is committed to

this principle and provides a 24x7 Telephone Service. But phone support is of no benefit if we do not have

service committed people to call . We have a simple and secure method for you to add your name to the SMIA

12-Step Call List. This information is protected and will only be shared with the Phone Committee Chair. Go

online to the intergroup website, www.somdintergroup.org (the 12-step Phone List link is on this page). Click

on the link to access, complete the online form, and discover the benefits of

this valuable service opportunity by connecting with others throughout the local

community. You will be amazed before you’re half way through.

County Want

to Talk

Need a

Ride

Meeting

Info Other * Total Calls

Calvert 2 1 1 4

Charles

St.

Mary’s 1 4 1 1 6

Not Spec-

ified 2 2

Total

Calls 3 5 1 4 12

SMIA PHONE REPORT

NOVEMBER 2018

HOTLINE SERVICE:

A WIN-WIN FOR ALL

*Other: 1-Provide literature for public

institution, 2-Looking for sober plumber,

3-Looking for specific individual, 4-

Provide info about new Al-Anon meeting.

“And above all, let us remember that great legions who still suffer from alcoholism

and who are still without hope. Let us, at any cost or sacrifice, so improve our

communication with all these that they may find what we have found.”

Bill Wilson, ©The AA Grapevine, February 1961

THUMBS UP… In a Step meeting, while hold-ing her smart phone, a member remarked, "When can we replace 'restraint of tongue and pen' with 'restraint of thumb and send'?"

-- J.D., Herndon, Va.

ELVENTH STEP PRAYER:

Lord make me a channel of thy peace -- that where there is hatred, I may bring love -- that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of

forgiveness -- that where there is discord, I may bring harmony -- that where there is error, I may

bring truth -- that where there is doubt, I may bring faith -- that where there is despair, I may

bring hope -- that where there are shadows, I may bring light -- that where there is sadness, I may

bring joy.

Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted -- to understand, than to be

understood -- to love, than to be loved.

For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by

forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying

that one awakens to Eternal Life...

PRAYER HELP! Pg. 86 MORNING : Before we begin our day, “we ask god to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be di-vorced from self-pity,,, dishonest or self-seeking mo-tives”.

Pg. 86 MORNING : In thinking about our day, “We ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or decision”.

Pg. 87 MORNING : We usually conclude the period of mediation with a prayer that we be shown all through the day what our next step is to be, that we be given whatev-er we need to take care of such problems. We especially ask for freedom from self-will, and are careful to make no requests for ourselves only We may ask for ourselves, however, if others will be helped. We are careful never to pray for our own selfish ends.

Pg. 87 - 88 ALL DAY : As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 12

SMIA Meeting Minutes - October 13 2018

Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S., Chair, with the Serenity Prayer.

New Members and Visitors: Colleen B., new rep for Bedouin Group; Sheri M., new rep for 231 Group, and Bob H., Alt DCM

for District 35

Board Members and Committee Chairs: Pat S., Chair; John L., Vice Chair; Bruce O., Parliamentarian; Bill L., Treasurer and

Webmaster; Keith H., Lifeline; Keenan W., Bookstall and Picnic Chair; John M., Gratitude Dinner Chair.

Groups Represented: Cindy H., Wednesday Noon Big Book; Rob E., Solomon’s; Cora W., We Are Not Saints; Jim D., Awak-

enings; Chuck M., Sobriety First; Greg H., Turn It Over; Sheri M,. 231 Group; Joyce S., Drunks R Us; Jeff A., Waldorf Group.

Pat P., North Beach; Rene W., Inspiration Group; Bob N.; (not legible); Julian J., Beach Beacon; Katherine L., ODAAT; Colleen

B., Bedouin, Kaki B., Hughesville; Keith H., Almost Normal; Ann G., FNA, LWBB, ABSI; Dave C., We Wuz Worse; and Bill L,.

Sunderland.

Secretary’s Report: Buddy F., SMIA Secretary, had asked Jeanine W. to present the September minutes and take this

month’s minutes. The minutes from September 15, 2018 were accepted as read with no changes or corrections.

Treasurer’s Report: Bill L., SMIA Treasurer: The Statement of Activities and Statement of Financial Position is on page 10 of

the October Lifeline. $1,052.15 were received in contributions the past month. These contributions, as well as significant book-

stall sales, brought us closer to a balanced budget. We currently have a $1,552.90 invoice due for Where and When printing.

There was a large Bookstall purchase of $1,200.00 not reflected in the Operating Account balance of $4,137.25 stated in the

distributed report. Only 21% (26 out of 120) of groups have contributed to SMIA in the past year, and only 14% of groups are

represented at the monthly meetings. Jeanine W.: The Annual Audit was conducted, and the report is awaiting the last signa-

ture.

Where and When: Bryan G. was not available, However Where and When's were available. SMIA is looking for a new Chair-

person for the Where and When Committee. Jeff A had considered but is not able to be Chair.

Bookstall: Keenan: Has made a $1,200.00 purchase. Sales last month were $663.00.

Telephone: Bruce O for Emme: There were a total of 15 calls. 4 needed to speak to some one and 4 needed rides. The rest

were under category of “Other”. Emme stated in her sent report that volunteers ARE answering the phone when the service

calls them.

Lifeline: Keith H: The grayscale has been adjusted for printing. Keith has also cut printing costs. As usual, article submis-

sions are requested.

Website: Bill L.: The website received 2,574 visitors last month. Most were for the Where and When calendar. 63% of visits

were direct hits.

Corrections and Treatment: Calvert County: Colleen B: Barstow is putting together a new orientation. Charles County:

Jeanine W. for Dan W.: Dan has given Dick R. from Bridging the Gap info to contact Thomas at Recovery Centers of America.

Dan will follow up. St. Mary’s County: No report.

PI/CPC: Calvert County: No report. Charles County: Need volunteer for this position. St. Mary’s County: No report.

Gratitude Dinner: John M.: The dinner sold out. Will need clean up help for the event. The menu is on page 7 of the Lifeline.

Serenity Breakfast: Need chair. Picnic: Keenan: No report

Old Business: Jon L. will write the November Lifeline bio.

New Business: Bob H. from Charles County wants to start a Spanish speaking meeting at the same location in La Plata where

the New Life Meeting is currently held. It would be held at the same time in the downstairs. Bob made a request for literature (in

Spanish) for the meeting. Kaki B. made a motion to allow the purchase of 10 books for the meeting. During discussion, John L.

and Jeanine W. pointed out that we need to be careful about setting a precedent in giving literature for meeting startups. Pat P.

made a friendly amendment to the motion that a one time donation be made to promote meetings for an underserved communi-

ty of a $100 Bookstall credit. The motion was seconded and passed.

For the Good of the Order: Pat S.: Flyers with registration available for the Crystal Coast Round in North Carolina on March

22, 23, and 24, 2019; and cards available for NERAASA on February 22-24, 2019 in Hunt Valley, MD. Flyers also available for

the District 36 New Year’s Eve Dance. Pat S. asked a show of hands for those who would consider SMIA donating funds to the

Dance. Jeanine W. objected, but several people would like to discuss this matter at the next meeting.

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned with the Responsibility Pledge. Submitted by Jeanine W. for Buddy F., SMIA Secretary

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 13

DISTRICT 1 CALVERT COUNTY

District Meeting:

7 PM, 3rd Mon-

day

St. Paul’s Episc.

Church

Prince Frederick,

MD

District 1 Trust

Fund

PO Box 234

Barstow, MD 20610

www.calvertaa.org

DISTRICT 35 -

CHARLES COUNTY

OPEN SERVICE

POSITIONS:

• Public Info

• Secretary

• Hospitality Chair

District Meeting:

7 PM, 1st Thurs

Peace Lutheran Church

Waldorf MD

District 35, PO Box 1981, La

Plata, MD 20646

DISTRICT 36 - ST. MARY'S COUNTY

GREAT 12-STEP OPPORTUNITY!

New treatment center needs support. Local groups from all districts are

needed to take meetings. Meeting calendar flexible This is a unique oppor-

tunity to help local Newcomers build a solid foundation and learn about

strong sponsorship. Contact Pat. S. for more info - 301-481-2090

District Meeting: 6:30 PM, 2nd Tuesday

@ Hollywood Rescue Squad Bldg., Hollywood

Mailing Address: District 36, PO Box 1334,

California, MD 20619

“We ask that we be given strength and direction to do the right thing, no matter what the

personal consequences might be.” Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 79

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 14

SMIA BOARD

CHAIR: Pat S. smia.chair@somdaa.org VICE CHAIR: John L. smia.vicechair@somdaa.org

SECRETARY: Buddy F. smia.secretary@somdaa.org

TREASURER: Bill L. smia.treasurer@somdaa.org

PARLIAMENTARIAN: Bruce O. smia.parliamentarian@somdaa.org

Where & When: Bryan G. smia.whereandwhen@somdaa.org Lifeline: Keith H. lifeline@somdaa.org

Telephone: Emme J. smia.telephone@somdaa.org

Website: Bill L. webmaster@somdaa.org

Bookstall: Keenan W. bookstall@somdaa.org

The Lifeline is an unofficial newsletter published by Southern Mar-

yland Intergroup Association, Inc. Any opinions expressed are

those of the writers. They are not endorsed by SMIA, any group or

AA as a whole. Group secretaries and individuals are encouraged

to send group news, anniversaries and events. Material may be

edited for space and content. Please send email to: life-

line@somdaa.org , or mail to SMIA at the above address.

REMEMBER, THE DEADLINE FOR ALL LIFELINE SUBMIS-

SIONS IS THE 27th OF EACH MONTH.

Please send any changes to the

Where & When Chair at:

smia.whereandwhen@somdaa.org.

Current Where and When meet-ing guides are available at the

monthly SMIA meeting.

“Our lead-

ers are but

trusted

servants,

they do

not gov-

ern.”

Nov 1934 - Ebby T. carries message to Bill.

Nov 1936 - Fitz M leaves Towns Hospital to become 'AA #3 in NY', with Bill W and Hank P.

Nov 1937 - Bill and Dr. Bob compare notes in Akron. Count forty cases staying sober. Meeting of the Akron Group to consider Bill's ideas for how to expand the movement ... a book, AA hospitals, paid missionaries. Passed by a majority of 2.

Nov/Dec 1939 - Akron group withdrawals from association with Oxford Group. Meetings moved from T Henry & Clarence Williams to Dr Bob and other members homes.

Nov 1941 - "First Mass AA Meeting" in Oklahoma City, 8 present, 1 was drunk.

Nov 1945 - Bill's article called 'Those Goof Balls' published in Grapevine.

Nov 1986 - Big Book published in paperback.

Nov 1, 1947 - 1st AA Group in Anchorage, Alaska.

Nov 1, 1963 - Reverend Sam Shoemaker dies.

Nov 3, 2001 - J P Miller who wrote screenplay for "The Days of Wine and Roses" died.

Nov 9, 1966 - President Johnson appoints Marty M to the 1st National Advisory Committee on Alcoholism.

Nov 10, 1940 - 1st AA group formed in Minneapolis.

Nov 10, 2001 - 1st of 400,000 4th Edition Big Books arrives in the mail.

Nov 11, 1934 - Armistice Day; Bill started drinking after dry spell, beginning of Bill's last drunk.

Nov 12, 1940 - 1st AA meeting is held in Boston.

Nov 13, 1939 - Bill wants to go to work at Towns Hospital; NY drunks want him to stay on as head of the movement.

Nov 14, 1940 - Alcoholic Foundation publishes 1st AA Bulletin.

Nov 15, 1949 - Bill W suggests that groups devote Thanksgiving week to discussions of the 12 Traditions.

Nov 16, 1950 - Dr. Bob dies.

Nov 18, 1946 - 1st Dublin Ireland group met.

Nov 21, 1939 - AA's in San Francisco hold 1st California AA meeting in the Clift Hotel.

Nov 21, 1952 - Willard Richardson, past Treasurer/Chairman of Alcoholic Foundation, dies.

Nov 26, 1895 - Bill W born in East Dorsett, VT.

Nov 26, 1939 - Dilworth Lupton gave sermon "Mr. X and Alcoholics Anonymous", which became one of first pamphlets on AA.

Nov 28, 1939 - Hank P writes Bill advocating autonomy for all AA groups.

Nov 28, 1943 - Bill was guest speaker San Quentin Penitentiary.

http://www.a-1associates.com/aa/HISTORY_PAGE/significant_dates.htm