Hey Folks,
April Intergroupers are now available (download a PDF version here). I would like to thanks all those who came by the Alco-An (Central Orlando Group) parking lot on Sunday to pick up the printed copies for their groups. Although we maintained social distancing and sanitary conditions it was great to talk with other AA members face-to-face. I could see the smiles behind the masks.
With this fast-changing medical environment, many of the events posted will not be happening. As a result, there may be several pages available in the May issue. On Page 4 of this issue there is posted a list of suggestion under Sharing your story is service. There is also A Note from the Editor with information regarding submitting stories for Intergrouper publication.
I am making a request to the AA’s in the Central Florida area to write and submit a story on what we’re doing to maintain and grow in our recoveries during this COVID-19 crisis. Writing a story on how we are reaching out to each other at this time of social distancing and self-imposed isolation may be very encouraging to our fellow AAs. “Frequent contact with newcomers and with each other is the bright spot of our lives” (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 89).
Please visit the Central Florida Intergroup website and check out the new Online Meeting page under the Find a Meeting tab. By filtering down to Online Meeting types, you can view a listing of all the current online meetings in our Central Florida area. By the way, if anyone needs to add, delete or otherwise change information on the COVID-19 page, Please USE the Form. If there is a change to what is currently posted, please complete the form shown under Has Your Group Announced Changes? This will be helpful to our very busy website coordinator (web chick), Jessica M. Jess has been doing a great job and any help is appreciated.
Additionally, in the Forward to the Fourth Edition it states, “Fundamentally, though the difference between an electronic meeting and the home group around the corner is only one of format. In any meeting, anywhere AA’s share experience, strength, and hope with each other, in order to stay sober and help other alcoholics. Modem-to-modem or face-to-face, AA’s speak the language of the heart in all it’s power and simplicity.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, page xxiv).
I can understand how many of us are saturated with coronavirus news and information. We’re all in this together. “Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us” (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 77). In this crisis time of anxiety, not knowing what the future will bring, practicing the AA way of life can get us through. Remember to be as kind as possible to each other and “the people about us.” This also applies to our hard-working Intergroup staff. Let’s say “Thank You!” for what many times can be a thankless, unsung hero job.
I’m doing my best to stay spiritually fit and keep faith in our Higher Power. Daily prayer, meditation and inventory are helping. Remember to Wash Your Hands. “But this does not mean that we disregard human health measures” (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 133). If some of you think I’m a Big Book thumper, I’ll say “Thank You” now.
Dennis W., Central Florida Intergroup Chairperson