Ongoing Projects »   SERVICE

The first service I ever did, well, that depends upon the definition of service. If I define service as being abstinent, calling a sponsor, sharing at a meeting, GETTING to a meeting, making a phone call, or answering the phone, then I would have to say that the first time I ever attempted to take a service "position" at a meeting was probably a month or two into program. I went to one meeting a week at that time. It was announced that a new treasurer was needed and a business meeting was going to take place after the close of the regular OA meeting. I don't think there were any qualifications but I don't remember. I probably heard from an outgoing OA that service was important. I, a shy, frightened OA member with almost no self esteem or confidence, decided that I could be the treasurer. I decided to prove to the group that could be trusted and wasn't desperate enough to steal so I put a five dollar bill into the basket when it went around. That does not make sense to me now but that is what I did. I was elected to be the treasurer. I was also taught to only do a service position for a period of time like one year even if no one volunteered to take over. It is a policy I adhere to even today.

T 4/3/07 6:55am Service is so important!!! One of my favorite services is sharing and listening at a meeting. My choices and life change by listening to what others say at meetings and sharing what is goin on in my head. Sometimes I think, "Wow, I NEVER want to do THAT!!!" and sometimes, "I'm glad I don't do that", only to find myself doing the very same thing the next day!!! Or sometimes I hear things that are "keepers" and I write them down and use them in my life. I heard a keeper last night, didn't write it down thinking I could SURELY remember it, and now it is gone. Well, I'm off to another abstinent day. I am a bit sick so will be extra vigilent since Dr. Disease will be prescibing some non abstinent solution as ususal. Wait for it. D

F4/20/07/9a My first service was getting to my first meeting, then phoning all the numbers, then getting and calling a sponsor (one of the first phone calls to strangers), food plan, abstinence, then treas of my one meeting, and then within a brief time, attendence at an Intergroup meeting and when no one would do the newsletter I thought I might be able to and did. I was told right away by someone I respected, to do service for one year or two at most and then quit and let someone else do it or leave it abandoned. That's what I do. Intergroup is tonight and I am going. Having a nice but busy abstinent day. Hope you caome to Intergroup. We need your service. D

Looking to do some service? Ever consider writing the newspages for Pinellas?? We are looking for a new editor
for the Pinellas Newspages. The "old" editor will complete the July issue and then someone can pick it up from there. If each month is too much to do, think about publishing it every other month or even quarterly. I am willing to help anyone interested in taking this position. Please consider doing this service. You can email me at russelljo1@earthlink.net or give me a call at 785-9208. In love and service, Joan R.

1/27/09 Newcomers called today looking for a meeting. No computer. Hope to see them at a meeting. Service helps me.

Today, things just seem so crazy. Although service keeps me abstinent, it also keeps the insanity at bay. So many requests. God, please help me

When the program tells us how important service work is to the fellowship, it also means it is important to us as individuals. My recovery is enhanced and enriched by the service work I perform as a service to my home group.