H. I. T. C. H.™
Help Inform Touch Connect Heal
ON MAY 30.2009 AT NOON UNTIL 10:00pm LOCATION AT ST PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1427 MEMORIAL AVE.THAT IS HERE IN WILLIAMSPORT.PA.17701 ALL IS WELCOME
Tournament Time Again! A time to have fun and raise funds for the SFRCNA Convention!
WHEN: SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2009
WHERE: CLUB AT EMERALD HILLS
4100 NORTH HILLS DRIVE
Hollywood, FL 33021
TIME: 1:00 P.M. (Sharp) Shot Gun Format (11:30 A.M. Practice)
Range Balls included. Prizes for Closest to Pin,
Longest Drive - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Prizes
COST: $75.00 (includes $20 SFRCNA registration)
(make checks payable to “SFRCNA XVII”)
MULLIGANS: 2 for $10 – 5 for $20 (max. 5 per golfer)
DRESS CODE: Bermuda shorts (or slacks) and collared shirts. No mock turtleneck shirts. Dress code strictly enforced by Club. Soft spikes only.
DON’T BE LEFT OUT! SPOTS ARE GOING FAST!!
Kathmandu Area Convention of Narcotics Anonymous - 5 (KACNA-V) - ‘Glad To Be Alive’
9, 10 & 11 October 2009 - Kathmandu, Nepal.
For more information see the Kathmandu Area website. www.nakathmandu.org
Supa’s In the Rooms takes PRISM for Music Recording by raising awareness of substance abuse addiction and recovery
LOS ANGELES – APRIL 24, 2009 – Singer/Songwriter Richie Supa was recognized at the 2009 PRISM Awards for his song, “In The Rooms”. Supa Performed the song live for a packed crowd at this year’s award show in Beverly Hills, California.
The PRISM Awards, which are produced by the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC) in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and FX, honor actors, movies, music, media and television’s top shows that accurately depict and bring attention to substance abuse and mental health issues. The Acting Surgeon General, Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, participated in the 2009 PRISM Awards ceremony, which was held April 23 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
During the event, Supa gave a live performance of In the Rooms for the audience. He shared this year’s PRISM Award for Music Recording with Selfish Steam www.SelfishSteam.net) for the song, “Lost in Recovery.”
Supa may be best known for his time with Aerosmith, when he co-wrote several hit songs including another recovery anthem, “Amazing”, among many more. Richie Supa wrote, produced and recorded “In the Rooms” for InTheRooms.com, a rapidly growing social networking website designed specifically for individuals in 12 step recovery programs, people who are seeking recovery, and for the family, friends and allies supporting their loved ones.
If you want to talk to Richie Supa, you can contact him on his In The Rooms profile at www.InTheRooms.com Since its launch in October 2008, InTheRooms.com has registered nearly 30,000 members who collectively have over 90,000 years of total recovery time, a figure that is constantly increasing.
“All of us associated with InTheRooms.com are extremely pleased and proud that Richie has been recognized by the entertainment industry for his tremendous efforts on behalf of people in recovery, and for this terrific song,” said Ron Tannebaum, CEO and co-founder of InTheRooms.com. “We know that Richie will continue to show people through his music that treatment is available and that recovery is within your reach - and through our social networking community, you are definitely not alone.”
Honorees for the PRISM Awards are selected by an 80-person committee of entertainment industry professionals and technical experts from the fields of medicine, mental health and addiction.
Other PRISM Award winners for 2009 include Anne Hathaway, William Shatner, Benjamin Bratt, Chandra Wilson and Dana Delany.
About InTheRooms.com:
As a social networking innovator, InTheRooms.com www.InTheRooms.com) is the most comprehensive resource for global fellowships, local support groups and individuals dedicated to recovery. Members can meet other like-minded people, upload photos, post videos, create blogs, and most importantly, share their experience, strength and hope about recovery. In just a few short months, InTheRooms.com has become the fastest growing recovery community on the Internet.
About Entertainment Industries Council:
EIC, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1983 by leaders in the entertainment industry to bring the power of the industry to bear on health and social issues. The organization is considered to be the grand daddy and chief pioneer of entertainment advocacy outreach and one of the premiere success stories in the field of entertainment education and information resources for entertainment creators, through innovative and time-proven services and methods of “encouraging the art of making a difference” from within the entertainment industry.
EIC addresses health issues such as drug, alcohol, and tobacco use and addiction; firearm safety and injury prevention; sun safety and skin cancer prevention; human trafficking; terrorism and homeland security; mental health and mental illness, including bipolar disorder, depression and suicide; diabetes; seat belt use and traffic safety; and HIV/AIDS prevention. For more information, please visit www.eiconline.org.
About SAMHSA:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation’s substance abuse prevention, addiction treatment, and mental health services delivery systems.
About FX Network:
FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable network from Fox. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in more than 94 million homes. The diverse schedule includes an award-winning roster of distinctive original series, an established film library with box-office hits from 20th Century Fox and other major studios and an impressive roster of acquired hit series.
Hello, I’m Jeff an addict. I just celebrated my one year clean date and couldn’t help but reflect on how I got to NA. After years of abusing so many drugs and more recently, opiates, I was so messed up, I knew I had to stop. I went to a hospital for detox and was sick the entire time.
I became paranoid and didn’t think they would let me out, but after 4 days I got to go home. I was still very sick and completely out of it, wondering what would happen to me now. I had hurt a lot of people and couldn’t forgive myself, for what I had done. I was dependent on my family for everything, and was in so much pain I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t walk, shower, dress myself - nothing. I felt my life was over. There was nothing to do. On a follow up visit to my doctor, he told my wife that I should go to NA for help, for I was an addict. I may not look like one but an addict I was.
It wasn’t till 3 weeks later that I was able to go to a meeting, and my wife took me as I was still a wreck. I do not remember much but giving my name getting a white key tag and wanting to get the hell out! Got home and was relieved, to be away from “those people.” This group met twice a week and I went to the next meeting, though I don’t know why. I introduced myself and got the little white book and listened to the readings.
We do recover, gave me a little hope, though I wasn’t sure how to recover. I still did not understand what was going on because the doctor gave me my dope! Keep coming back was the other thing I remember. A guy after the meeting told me to go to as many meetings as I could and, then I left again, and waited another week to go, reading the little white book in the meantime.
This went on for a while3-5 weeks when I decided to go to some other meetings in my area, and then something started to happen. I understood what the people were talking about, and the readings began to make some sense to me, I got a copy of the basic text and the Just For Today book. I read them every day, and prayed all the time and listened to my HP through doing meditation. I was aware of things more. And I also felt terrible for the things I had done and wondered how could I be made whole. It was a struggle every inch of the way, then, I surrendered.
I began to look at the people around me in meetings and in listening to them realizing how courageous they were and they seemed to be getting better and I was not! They told me to keep coming back! I went to more meetings and listened to the people share and began to learn, and, saw that they were getting better and maybe I could recover too. I threw myself into NA meetings and shared my ass off and listened and learned and read the steps and finally at the end of 3 months got a sponsor! He helped with the steps and slowly I began to understand the process of recovery, and that it begins with me and my HP. At every meeting the recovery made more sense to me. At 30, 60, 90 days, I was a little better. All the craziness in my life was settling down. I had so much work to do and so much to learn, I felt as if I wouldn’t recover in time. My time. And while all this was happening I was living in so much pain from my back, and I felt I just couldn’t put it all together. But I kept going back, and listened and try to learn.
I then tried something new for me. I began to think of how I was today, not the way I was in the past, I decided to move forward one day at a time. I quit feeling sorry for myself, and started to be grateful, and happy for what I have today. I went to meetings and my sharing focused on my being thankful for the things I did have, the people I had in my life, the ability to be able to have faith in my HP, knowing that what I couldn’t handle, my HP would. I let myself get out of myself.
During the meetings when other people shared, I could see that part of me in the share. I noticed that there were more similarities than differences. I began to see we were all the same, that we had all sought the same things and had used the drugs for basically the same reasons. The awareness dawned on me that the process of recovery was working, that every da y clean was a day won. Though mine was far from perfect, I was thankful I was clean, for that day. I felt no matter what was happening to me if I could make a meeting that day I would be okay. I began to wake up each day making the choice to stay clean no matter how much pain I was in and to get to a meeting. All the bullshit was still in my life but that was okay, because I was going to a meeting no matter what.
And I started to make friends at the meetings, and they helped me out. I read the NA literature more, and more, and prayed for all of us and what happened was instead of waiting to recover I became active in making my recovery happen. Then winter came with it the snow and meetings were cancelled and I got scared and knew I needed to talk to people like me. And then the miracle happened again. One of my friends in NA who always made sure I sat in the right place to see the people sharing, so I could read their lips and get the message, texted me on the phone. He told me to come to this site, intherooms.com, and join up and we would talk. (he was a member already) took his suggestion, and bam! I could talk to thousands of people just like me! What a life saver, during the winter. Of course being the addict that I am I was on here as much as I could. I talked to everyone and greeted every newcomer. I made friends on the site. I knew from then on I would never be alone again. The people here taught me so much. And I took what I could to the meetings, I attended and began to share even more frequently. I offered suggestions and took even more of them.
I got to the point by 6 mos I felt I was doing everything I could to live a new life. At meetings I arrived early to help out, and at home I tried to be a better husband and father and family person by applying the steps to my life. It didn’t always work, because I want what I want and I want it now! But overall with the tools NA gave me, I coped and lived a better life. Being grateful for what I do have for the day. there were many times I felt why do I have to be in pain, maybe if I took the medicine the way I was supposed to I would be alright and be able to do more. But that was my disease talking to me, and I wasn’t able to do that for the last 20 years so how could do that now? Then I would realize, get to the meeting, and I always found that I felt safe and better at the meetings and felt that way afterwards.
At 9 months I was doing pretty good, and felt my recovery was on track. I was doing better in all areas of my life, and was truly an NA junkie! Then, I started to have trouble seeing and that means I couldn’t read lips as well, and I noticed this first when I was in the meetings. I went to the eye doctor to get new glasses, and he told me my cataracts were so bad I couldn’t get glasses till I had them removed and they couldn’t get me in for 3 to 20 months! Boy was I pissed. I thought “no fair, I did everything I was supposed to do to the best of my ability, now this!” I couldn’t walk right, talked funny [because of being near deaf] in pain, blah blah, and now I couldn’t see worth a damn, and couldn’t hear [not read lips] couldn’t read without straining my eyes, I mean where does it end?
Pissed, pissed, pissed, WTF! Now everybody says it is a simple procedure and it will be no problem just a bit of an inconvenience. Well 1] I did not care, and 2] What are they going to give me to do the procedure. I want no drugs, and end up back where I was. Then all I could do was pray and meditate. In meditation, I heard my HP, and realized that if we all threw our problems in the center of the room and could have a pick of the problems we want, we would probably pick our own, how selfish I was being, so many people I talk to every day are struggling with much more severe problems than mine! I’m a real jackass! So what I do is even though I might not hear in the meetings, or see who is talking I keep going, for if I’m in the space here recovery is going on I’m in the right place. I do what I do and pray for all.
This week I picked up my 1 year tag and I can see that it does glow in the dark! I will have got my coin by the time this is read by my loving friends on the Bridge. And over the past year I came into the rooms, and trusted, loved cried with people who I have never before met, never once being rejected and always loved unconditionally. I only hope to have given some of that back, and to continue in the future as I come n the rooms to recover. You all have made my life so much better than it was I can’t tell you in words how much you all mean to me! I’m still recovering and I love you all and thank you for letting me share! God bless!
Jeff
–
About the Bridge Group
Established in December 2008 The Bridge spans a divide, carrying the therapeutic value of one addict helping another via a conference call meeting to addicts isolated by poor health Now in our 14th consecutive week Here to date we had the honor of celebrating his 26th year clean with a speaker and the larger blessing of spending time with a young lady celebrating her 1st 24 hours clean!
All tickets purchsed for the 2nd Annual 12 Step Music Fest in the month of May will be eligible for a great prize. Last week, Dawn attended the PRISM AWARDS in Beverly Hills, CA. Richie Supa and Selfish Steam were nominated in the music category. IT WAS A TIE!!!! How great is that???? Dawn took an extra Commemorative PRISM Program, and had Richie and Selfish Steam members autograph it.
This months winner will receive that autographed PRISM Program, along with autographed cd’s of Richie Supa’s “In The Rooms” and Selfish Steam’s cd “Lost in Recovery..” Winner will be chosen at random, and announced on June 1st on our website and on ITR.
Friday night at the 2nd Annual 12 Step Music Fest will be PRISM night. Both Selfish Steam and Richie Supa will be playing!!!
We will have a different promotion every month, and all previous tickets purchased will continue to be eligible each month, SO GET YOUR TICKETS NOW and be eligible for all the upcoming promotions.
Washington DC will
be the site for the 11th Annual Oxford
House World Convention
Where?
Hyatt Regency Hotel on Capitol Hill – Washington DC
When?
Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 6, 2009
How Much?
Rooms: Single/Double/Triple: $129 +14.5% sales tax &
room fee = $147.70 per night Quadruples: $154 (plus 14.5%
sales tax) =$176.33
Registration Fee: $240 per resident. Residents who want to
take advantage of the early bird discount can register by June
1 and only pay $225 per resident. Information on registration
procedures will be mailed to each house very soon.
Highlights:
The Annual Women’s Conference is always held from 3pm to
9pm on the Thursday before the Convention starts, and there
are many informative break-out sessions.
Some of the most well attended Convention Breakout
sessions include:
• Oxford House and the Law
• Oxford House and State Agencies
• Attracting Chapter Participation
• Oxford House and Fundraising
• Finding a Suitable House to rent
• Reentry after Incarceration
In addition to the women’s conference and breakouts, there
will be the annual Friday Evening Reception where the
“Directors’ 100 Year” awards are presented and the Saturday
Night Banquet where the Founders Awards are presented to
Oxford House residents or alumni who have made a great
contribution to the program. Also, the election of new World
Council members is always an important part of each World
Convention.
May 15 and 16 Mariners Church Community Center Irvine, CA
A Nationwide Recovery Conference with Dick B.
Conference Theme: “A New Way Out”
“We Christians in the Recovery Arena Are Not Alone”
“Greetings and best wishes for the success of ‘A New Way Out Conference’ to the conferees from Todd Smith, grandson of Dr. Bob and Anne Smith, and son of Robert R. and Betty Smith.” Todd
Southern California
Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, 2009
Mariners Church - Community Center
5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine, California 92603
Coordinator: Pastor Jim Gaffney, Counselor, Consultant, Ministry Catalyst, Newport Beach, CA
Boots on the Ground: Jeff MacLeod, Exec. Dir., Overcomers Outreach, Inc., Whittier, CA
Hospitality Chairperson: Vivian Eisenecher, Author, San Diego, California
Ladies in Waiting: Angela Eren Capp of Venice, California; Virginia Sullivan, Irvine, California
Area Contact Person for Directions: Frank Braggiotti: (818) 994-7849
No registration is required; admission is free
Hospitality, fellowship, food, & beverages,
literature table, and historical books and displays
Music at the Conference by
the renowned percussionist and singer, Walter Santos
http://www.santosministries.org/
Outline of Friday Program
Friday, May 15, 2:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Mariners Church – Community Center
5002 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine, California 92603
“Greetings and best wishes for the success of “A New Way Out Conference” to the conferees from Todd Smith, grandson of Dr. Bob and Anne Smith, and son of Robert R. and Betty Smith,” Todd
Synopsis of Friday Program
Friday is a “Workshop Day” with opportunities for presenters and “ambassadors” to share in round-table and one-on-one discussions about their programs, literature, conferences, centers, archives, forums, guidebooks, websites, radio, TV, and meetings. Preparations for this “Workshop Day” have included circulating questionnaires to some of the conferees to enable them to see and ponder some of the issues for Christians in the recovery arena that have been raised about their programs, their fellowships, and their meetings. At the “Workshop Day,” you will have opportunities to meet experienced, like-minded believers, make new contacts, and share your own work.
Concept: “We Christians in the Recovery Arena are not alone.” Conferees will be sharing along these lines: “Here’s what we are doing as Christians in the recovery arena. Here are the problems we have encountered. Here’s how we are dealing with them. Here’s how we can help others present recovery history, the Christian roots of recovery, and helping others establish or reestablish a relationship with God, recover with God’s help, and pass it on.”
Friday Schedule of Events
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM – Hospitality and viewing of exhibits
Music by Santos
3:00 – Introduction to the Workshop Conference
Prayer
Details as to Conference times, agendae, exhibits, restrooms, food, programs
Special thanks to Mariners Church, Pastor Jim Gaffney, Santos, Overcomers Outreach, sponsors, endorsers, presenters, helpers, and those who have brought literature; Introduction of Dick B. and Ken B.; and Opening Remarks by Dick B.
3:15 – 3:45 – Dick B. – Opening Remarks, Conference mission, thanks to conferees, Friday
objectives and plans.
3:45 – 4:00 –Chairperson asks those to stand who will make remarks and/or have brought their
materials for display
4:00 – 4:15 – Music by Santos and stretch break
4:15 – 4:20 – Pass the baskets
4:20 – 5:30 – Chairperson will recognize audience members for 5 minutes each, to share on subjects relevant to the Conference theme, about his or her program, his or her accomplishments and group, his or her problems encountered, suggestions for future outreach, what he or she will do in distributing literature, posting on websites, organizing list-serves, setting up conferences and seminars, organizing study groups, and other suggestions.
5:30 – 5:45 – Music by Santos and stretch break
5:45 – 6:45 – Question and Answer Panel – Questions addressed to Dick B., Chair, answered
by panel: Dick B., Michael Liimatta, Ray Grumney, Darvin Smith, M.D., Larry Webb
6:45 – 8:00 Break for food on premises, music, networking, exhibits
8:00 – 9:00 – Three-minute open sharing by conferees on any topic relevant to Conference theme.
9:00 – 9:10 – Music by Santos and stretch break
9:10 – 9:30 – Closing Remarks by Dick B.
9:30 - Lord’s Prayer
9:30 – 10:00 – Opportunity to meet, visit exhibits and tables, network, fellowship, exchange information
10:00 - Conference adjourns
Summary of the Foregoing Friday Meeting Objectives
A place and opportunity for some motivated, experienced believers in the love and power of God and the value of recovery fellowship work today. With one-on-one discussions of individual programs, literature, conferences, centers, archives, forums, guidebooks, websites, radio, TV, and meetings
Concept: “Here’s what we are doing. Here are the problems we encounter. Here’s how we are dealing with them. Here’s how we can help others present recovery history, Christian roots, and the ways of helping others establish or reestablish a relationship with God, recover with God’s help, and pass it on.”
Agenda will cover: (1) Hospitality and introductions of those present. (2) Opening remarks by Dick B. (3) Display of key conference exhibits and workshop materials. (4) Music by Santos. (5) Food and beverages. (6) Roundtable period for presenters and “ambassadors” to share, report on works-in-progress, raise questions, propose outreach approaches and solutions. (6) Opportunity for those present to express themselves. (7) Panel for Q & A period. (8) Closing program ideas. (9) Time for personal talks, meetings, exchange of introductions.
Outline of Saturday Program
Saturday, May 16, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Mariners Church – Community Center
5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine, California 92604
Synopsis of Saturday Program
Saturday features a full day of presentations by recovery facilitators from throughout the United States and Canada, as well as fellowship group leaders and members; with addresses by Dick B. on the theme of the conference, the need for learning and disseminating the Christian history and roots of the recovery movement, and the essence of those sources, principles, and practices that have applicability today.
Saturday Schedule of Events
9:00 – 9:30 AM – Hospitality, music by Santos, viewing exhibits, exchanging handshakes,
complimentary copy of A New Way Out Guidebook by Dick B. and Ken B., one free history book by Dick B., program materials at the door
“Greetings and best wishes for the success of “A New Way Out Conference” to the conferees from Todd Smith, grandson of Dr. Bob and Anne Smith, and son of Robert R. and Betty Smith,” Todd
9:30 – 9:45 – Conference Chair opens the conference
Prayer
Thanks to Mariners Church, Pastor Jim Gaffney, Santos, Overcomers Outreach, Inc., Hospitality crew, sponsors, endorsers, exhibitors, and conferees
Details on exhibits, restrooms, food, donations, events
Introduction of Dick B. and Ken B.
9:45 – 9:50 - Rev. Ken B.: Reading 1 Corinthians 13—one of the three Bible segments believed by the Akron A.A. old timers to be “absolutely essential” to their program [from the New American Standard Bible]
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a
clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all
faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant. does not act
unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does
not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth;
“Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; but if there are
gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it
will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial
will be done away.
“When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a
man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know
in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
“But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
9:50 – 10:00 – Address by Darvin Smith, M.D., addictionologist, YWAM, and ISAAC
Brief musical interlude with Santos
10:00 – 11:00 - Address by Dick B.: “The Historical Success Factor and the Pressing Need for ‘A New Way Out.’”
11:00 – 11:10 – Pass the basket, music by Santos, stretch
11:10 – 11:20 - Brief Story/Presentation by Mike Lewandowski, Lamb of God Ministries, Okeechobee, Florida
11:20 – 12:50 - Christian Recovery Presenters and Leaders: 10-minute presentations
• The Bridge Group: Pauline Bartosch & Jeff MacLeod, Overcomers Outreach, Inc., Whittier, California
• The Church Approach: Pastor Jim Gaffney, Counselor, Consultant, Ministry Catalyst, Newport Beach, California
• Treatment: Fr. Bill Wigmore, Austin Recovery, Austin, Texas
• Christ Centered Recovery Fellowship Programs, Operation Integrity, David Zailer, Monarch Beach, California
• Urban Ministry: Rev. Michael Liimatta, City Vision College, Kansas City, MO.
• Christian Treatment at Calvary Ranch, Lakeside, California, Walter Santos
• The Practice of the Crucified Life: George McLauchlin, M.A., Tampa, Florida
• “Footprints” Alcoholics Victorious, Brother Wayne White, Kansas City, Missouri
• Twelve Step Christian Recovery, David Powers, RockRecovery, San Diego, California
12:50 – 2:00 - Food on the premises, music by Santos; networking, exhibits, literature
2:00 – 3:30 - Recovery Fellowship Members and Fellowship Activities: 10-minute presentations
• Historical Locations, The Wilson House, East Dorset, Vermont: Bonnie Lepper
• Historical Locations, Dr. Bob’s Home, Akron, Ohio: Ray G., Archivist (ret.), Dr. Bob’s Home
• Mark Galligan, “Akronites,” Collinwood, Ontario, Canada
• James Club Groups: John Sorrells, Norco, California
• Focus on the newcomer: Joseph Delgado, San Dimas, Californa
• Focus on the newcomer: Keith Walters of Kailua Kona, Hawaii
• Focus on the newcomer: Scott Craven, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Big Book/Bible Study Groups: Larry Webb, Rancho Santa Margarita, California
• Community outreach groups: Russell Spatz, Attorney, Miami, Florida
• Recovery Radio and How to Get It Done, Monty Meyer, Albany, Oregon
3:30 – 3:40 – Pass the basket, music with Santos, stretch break
3:40 – 4:40 - Concluding Remarks by Dick B.
4:40 – 5:00 – Closing activities
Rev. Ken B.: Reading from the New American Standard Bible:
Hosea 4:1, 6: “Listen to the word of the LORD, O sons of Israel, For the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land, Because there is no faithfulness or kindness Or knowledge of God in the land. . . . My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. . .”
Jeremiah 2:13: “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, The fountain of living waters, To hew for themselves cisterns, Broken cisterns That can hold no water.”
Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”
Acts 17:11: “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed …”
James 1:19-22: “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”
Lord’s Prayer
5:00 – 6:00 - Fellowship, hospitality, mutual introductions, music by Santos
Time for examining exhibits and tables, and securing literature, books, and tapes
___________________________________________________________________________
This Conference is NOT an A.A. event; and, consequently, concerns about violating A.A.'s Traditions and/or about non-A.A. General Service Conference-approved literature are not appropriate topics for discussion nor will such concerns be entertained during the meetings. This history conference is not associated with, nor allied with, nor in any way connected with Alcoholics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. We suggest that all who receive Conference flyers and/or Programs, and who plan to invite others–which we are strongly encouraging you to do–should so inform all those whom they invite. Dick B.
Special Exhibits: (1) a special reprint of Alcoholics Anonymous (the “Big Book”), 2d ed., with “Their Pathway to a Cure” cover published by Ken R.; (2) a copy of Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers manuscript by its author; (3) a copy of the personal journal of Dr. Bob’s wife, Anne Smith; (4) copies of numerous drafts of the manuscript of Lois Remembers; (5) Dick B.’s review of the Clarence H. Snyder Bible; (6) Our Legacy to the Faith Community by Three Clarence H. Snyder Sponsees and Their Wives; (7) an autographed photo of Bill W. and Father Dowling; (8) works by Richard K., including studies of the “First 40” cures, and of the early A.A. articles and statistics; (9) copies of the rosters of pioneer members; (10) the Frank Amos reports; (11) a copy of Carl Jung-Bill Wilson letter; (12) Yale Summer School lecture by Bill in 1945; (13) books on St. Johnsbury Academy and Burr and Burton Academy; (14) the article in The Tidings reporting the talks by Bill Wilson and!
Dr. Bob at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles in 1948; and (15) others historical finds!
Meet with Dick B. and Ken B. before or after the Conference days. At previous conferences, Dick B. and Ken B. had lunches, meetings, visits, and dinners at their hotel and elsewhere with many interested in Christian outreach; and that is how this present Conference came about. We invite and encourage such exchanges with us individually and as groups, and among others attending. To that end, both before and after the Conference days, Dick B. and Ken B. may be available to meet with you—by appointment only–at the Fairmont Newport Beach Hotel, 4500 MacArthur Boulevard, Newport Beach, California 92660; (866) 840-8402. Appointment days will be Wednesday (4/13), Thursday (4/14), Sunday (4/17), and Monday (4/18). To schedule an appointment, please contact Dick B. by email at DickB at DickB.com or by phone at (808) 874-4876.
Complimentary literature free for the taking on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as supplies last, for all those attending the Conference: (1) A New Way Out Guidebook by Dick B. and Ken B.; (2) God and Alcoholism by Dick B.; (3) Our Legacy to the Faith Community by Three Clarence H. Snyder Sponsees and Their Wives; and (4) Program material and supplementary literature of conferees on exhibit tables.
Exhibits by Conferees: Presenters, speakers, sponsors, endorsers, and other conference participants may want to provide information at the Conference relative to their mission, products, and/or services involving "carrying the message to those who still suffer and to those trying to help them.. For a donation of $50.00 to help support the Conference, you or your group may secure the use of one (1) table and two (2) chairs to provide information relevant to the Conference purpose. No sales transactions, please.
Available for purchase at the Conference: music by Santos; titles by Dick B.
Note about accommodations and food: There are a number of lodging facilities and places to eat within easy distance of Mariners Church Community Center in Irvine. During the Conference, coffee (and probably tea and water) will be provided free on the Mariners Church Community Center premises; and other beverages, fruit, and sandwiches will be provided at nominal cost so that conferees need not leave the Conference area during sessions.
Other Conference-period opportunities: (1) If you volunteer to help pass out literature, man the exhibit tables, be a greeter, pass the baskets, help serve beverages, and/or be a contact person, you will have added opportunity to bless and be blessed. (2) Dick B. will be speaking at the James Club group in Norco, California, on Thursday evening, May 14. This important meeting is open to all. The James Club meeting starts at 7:00 pm on Thursday. It is located at New Beginnings Community Church, 1769 Western Ave., Norco, CA 92860; please consider attending that meeting. (4) You may arrange meetings, lunches, dinners, or meetings with others during the pre-and post-conference periods, including Saturday evening in the Irvine area.
What Should You Bring with You to the Conference Meetings?
• A Bible (King James Version preferred since that was the book pioneers used)
• Alcoholics Anonymous (the “Big Book”), 4th ed., 2001
• Your own program workbooks, literature, flyers, pamphlets, exhibits
Note about food at the Conference and about accommodations. Recent donations have made it probable that our hospitality ladies can provide sandwiches, fruit, and carbonated beverages at a reasonable price, with complimentary coffee and tea. This will enable conferees to enjoy food on the campus without need to leave the campus during sessions, disrupting continuity, and missing time slots. There are also a number of inexpensive eateries in the vicinity. In addition, there are reasonably-priced lodging facilities within easy distance of Mariners Church Community Center.
Accommodations in Irvine near the Mariners Church - Community Center. Dick B. and Ken B. are booked into the Fairmont Newport Beach Hotel from Wednesday, May 13, to Monday noon, May 18. The hotel is located about three (3) miles from Mariners Church. We booked through www.Hotels.com, and received a reasonable rate. Fairmont Newport Beach Hotel, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92660, (866) 840-8402
For those not able to attend but wishing to support the conference, for a $20.00 donation, receive an email attachment copy of A New Way Out Guidebook by Dick B. and Ken B. (2) For a $50.00 donation, an exhibit table and two chairs are available at the Conference. In both cases, please use the “Donate” button in the center column on the first page of the main Dick B. website http://www.dickb.com), and email Dick B. at DickB at DickB.com to notify him of the donation and to request either: (1) a copy of A New Way Out Guidebook by Dick B. and Ken B. for $20.00; or (2) an exhibit table and two chairs at the Conference for $50.00.
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A New Way Out
Explanation of the Path and of the Objective
Our mission, beginning in 1991, has been to find out what role, if any, God, Jesus Christ, and the Bible had in early Alcoholics Anonymous. Having completed more than 18 years of research, our objective now is to show people the power and love of God present in the early A.A. Christian Fellowship program in Akron, Ohio; and to report the astonishing success rate in pioneer A.A. among seemingly-hopeless, medically-incurable, real alcoholics who went to any lengths to establish (or reestablish) their relationship with God and to be healed. Finally, our present desire is to bring that same power and love of God to those who still suffer from life-controlling problems and self-destructive behaviors, and to those who have the heart to serve and help those still in need.
Purposes of “A Nationwide Recovery Conference with Dick B.” in Southern California in May 2009 and of A New Way Out Guidebook by Dick B. and Ken B.
To provide Christian recovery leaders and Christian recovery fellowship members, groups, and agencies with a guide in the recovery field that enables them to learn, utilize, add, and incorporate a history element in their particular endeavors. To facilitate their own growth in fellowship with their Heavenly Father. To enable them to help the afflicted receive from the one, true, living God by coming to Him through His Son Jesus Christ and through a knowledge of His written Word (the Bible) their much-needed healing and deliverance. And to assure that Christian recovery leaders and other Christians active in the recovery arena know, are fortified with, are guided by, and are emboldened in their witnessing through, the accurate historical details as to effective Christian approaches to recovery in the past. Approaches such as those of the YMCA, Christian Endeavor, the Salvation Army, Gospel Rescue Missions, the Oxford Group, evangelists, and early Akron A.A. pioneers themselve!
s. Approaches that employed Christian techniques of personal work to offer a way out of the power of darkness through salvation and coming unto the knowledge of the truth.
The Core Ideas in A New Way Out Guidebook by Dick B. and Ken B. That Will Provide the Full and Accurate Roots and Historical Sources of Effective Recovery You Need to Know
• The Christian background and training of A.A. cofounders Robert Holbrook Smith and William Griffith Wilson as youngsters in Vermont
• The Christian organizations and leaders that contributed to the original pioneer program of A.A. in Akron
• The basic ideas from the Bible that were translated to Akron A.A.
• The early A.A. Christian Fellowship founded in Akron on June 10, 1935, and the
exact program of recovery its members followed
• The documented, 75% success rate that was achieved in Akron by following that pioneer program
• The actual cures and recoveries the early A.A. members achieved
A Birdseye Summary of the Original A.A. Program Founded on June 10, 1935 (the actual words of the summary can be found in the report by Frank Amos to John D. Rockefeller, Jr., in DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, 131, and in A New Way Out Guidebook by Dick B. and Ken B.)
• Abstinence and resisting temptation
• Reliance on the Creator and coming to Him through Jesus Christ.
• Obeying God’s will and eliminating sinful conduct
• Growing in fellowship with God, His Son, and other believers through
Bible study, prayer meetings, Quiet Time, and reading Christian literature
• Helping other alcoholics get straightened out by these same means
• Recommended social and religious fellowship with other believers
• Recommended attendance at a religious service of choice each week
Special Thanks to
Those Who Have Funded and/or Endorsed the Conference Thus Far
Sponsors Who Have Funded the Conference
Overcomers Outreach, Inc., of Whittier, California
Calvary Ranch of Lakeside, California
Charles P. Mau of Manhattan Beach, California
Austin Recovery of Austin, Texas
Ken Roberts of Daphne, Alabama
James Club of Norco, California
Larry D. Webb of Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Mark Galligan of Collinwood, Ontario, Canada
Bob J. of Kihei, Maui, Hawaii
Steve Foreman, Came to Believe Retreats, of Winter Park, Florida
La Hacienda Treatment Center, Hunt, Texas
Anonymous of Honolulu, Hawaii
Bishop Rich Skolnik of Jamestown, New York
Chuck Huckaby of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
T. Willard Hunter of Claremont, California
Rock Recovery of San Diego, California
Soledad House of San Diego, California
ABC Sober Living of San Diego, California
John Barton of Orange, New Jersey
Neal Britner of Clay, New York
Wally Camp of Falmouth, Maine
Joel H. Wasti of Oro Valley, Arizona
Manna House Ministries in Jamestown, Tennessee
Robert Wheeler of Winter Park, Florida
Laura Long of Dallas, Texas
Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors Institute of Redlands, California
Herbert V. Kaighan of Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Those Who Have Endorsed the Conference
The Wilson House and Griffith Library at East Dorset, Vermont
North Congregational Church of St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Ray G., Retired archivist, Dr. Bob’s Home, Akron, Ohio
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Dr. Bob’s church) in Akron, Ohio
Shoemaker Room Archives at Calvary Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
Karen Plavan, Ph.D., Contact Person
The James Club of Glendora, California
The James Club of Norco, California
Santos Ministries of Carlsbad, California
Calvary Ranch of Lakeside, California
Bob Noonan, Stepping Out Recovery Ministry of Orange, California
Fr. Bill Wigmore, President of Austin Recovery, Austin, Texas
Chris Raymer, La Hacienda Treatment Center of Hunt, Texas
Pat Robertson, Servant and President of CityTeam Ministries of San Jose, California
Charles P. Mau of Manhattan Beach, California
Bob J. of Kihei, Maui, Hawaii
Scott Craven of Honolulu, Hawaii
Keith Walters of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
T. Willard Hunter of Claremont, California
Ken Roberts of Daphne, Alabama
James Moody, Manna House Ministries, of Jamestown, Tennessee
Tracy Davis of Franklin, Tennessee
Chuck Huckaby of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Daxton and Jessica Lyon of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Bishop Rich Skolnik of Jamestown, New York
David Zailer, Operation Integrity, of Monarch, California
Pastor Jim Gaffney of Newport Beach, California
Tom Thompson, Recovery Pastor, Lake Forest, California
Joey Delgado, Bible and recovery meetings of San Dimas, California
Mark Galligan of Collinwood, Ontario, Canada
Cameron Freeman of Toronto, Canada
Came to Believe Retreats of Winter Park, Florida
Lamb of God Ministries of Okeechobee, Florida
George McLauchlin of Yet Not I, Tampa, Florida
Russell Spatz, attorney, Alive Again, of Miami, Florida
Jean LaCour, Ph.D. of NET Training Institute for Addiction Studies, Orlando, Florida
Karen Plavan, Ph.D., Pittsburgh Recovery Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Michael Liimatta of City Vision College, Kansas City, Missouri
Footprints – Alcoholics Victorious of Kansas City, Missouri
Jeff MacLeod, Executive Director of Overcomers Outreach, Inc.,Whittier, California
Pauline Bartosch, Cofounder of Overcomers Outreach, Inc, Whittier, California
Bobby Gee of Sherman Oaks, California
Frank Braggiotti of Van Nuys, California
Vivian Eisenecher of San Diego, California
David Powers of Rock Recovery Ministry, San Diego, California
Angela Eren Capp of Venice, California
Virginia Sullivan of Irvine, California
Monty Meyer of Take 12 Radio, KHLT, Albany, Oregon
Dan Frye of British Columbia, Canada
L. Priebe, Biblical Recovery Resources, Virginia
Mel Schulstad, Col., USAF Retired, Seattle, Washington
Gene McLendon of Morehead City, South Carolina
Dan Murphy, Last Call Radio Program, Washington, Utah
Joanne Barnett, Addictions Counselor, Lebanon, New Hampshire
The Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors, Redlands, California
Neal Britner of Clay, New York
Herbert V. Kaighan of Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Larry D. Webb of Rancho Santa Margarita, California
John Sorrells of Norco, California
Robert P. Turner, MD, MSCR of Charleston, South Carolina
Darvin Smith, MD, Addictionologist, Past President International Substance Abuse and Addiction Coalition and Carol Smith, M.A., Co-Directors-Addictive Behavior Ministries International University of the Nationals/Youth with a Mission, from Boulder, Colorado
John Barton of Orange, New Jersey
Wally Camp of Falmouth, Maine
Joel H. Wasti of Arizona
Laura Long of Dallas, Texas
Robert Wheeler of Winter Park, Florida
For more information about “A Nationwide Conference with Dick B.”, please see the official conference web site at: www.ANewWayOut.com.
Dick B.: www.DickB.com; email: dickb at dickb.com
Gloria Deo
May 22 -24, 09 www.serenitypittsburgh.org
Serenity Pittsburgh is an annual conference hosted by glbt members of AA and AI-Anon. The conference provides a sober environment for celebration and enhancement of life in recovery for anyone affected by alcoholism. A series of speakers, a wide range of workshops, and fun events focusing on a life style of recovery are offered.
