Do you still have issues with the internet, hook-ups, dating and sobriety?
There a new meeting for you at:
The AT Center
Sundays at 2:OO pm
Starting April 11
ALL 12-STEP FELLOWSHIPS WELCOME
Monday, March 29, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
God has no Gender
To my deep shock, someone has suggested changing the gender neutral reference to "God" in the CMA steps to "him."
I remember approaching the CMA founder, Bill C., at a pool party once in my first year of sobriety. I wanted to specifically thank him for wording the steps as he did. I had always--and still do--find the use of "him" in AA and NA to be very alienating. Many of us wrestle enough with a belief in God as it is; we hardly need to think in terms of the petulant and paternal figure most of us were brought up with. Using "he" or "him" represents an unthinking patriarchal tradtion at best; at worst, an acute poverty of imagination. Bill Wilson could hardly be expected to think in broader terms in the 1930s; in 2010, such narrowness of thinking is inexcusable.
I urge any reader who feels as I do to register his or her objection to any change as strongly and often as I intend to in as many venues as possible. It is too important that CMA provides as welcoming and inclusive sense of what constitutes spirituality to move toward a more reductive vocabulary. As it is, addicts grab onto whatever we can to rationalize not getting better. This is the precisely the kind of retrogressive change that would turn more people off when the need is as great as it's ever been to inspire and to extend our helping hand.
I'm not always sure I believe in God, but I am sure of one thing. If there is a God it is not a he or a she.
Mark O.
I remember approaching the CMA founder, Bill C., at a pool party once in my first year of sobriety. I wanted to specifically thank him for wording the steps as he did. I had always--and still do--find the use of "him" in AA and NA to be very alienating. Many of us wrestle enough with a belief in God as it is; we hardly need to think in terms of the petulant and paternal figure most of us were brought up with. Using "he" or "him" represents an unthinking patriarchal tradtion at best; at worst, an acute poverty of imagination. Bill Wilson could hardly be expected to think in broader terms in the 1930s; in 2010, such narrowness of thinking is inexcusable.
I urge any reader who feels as I do to register his or her objection to any change as strongly and often as I intend to in as many venues as possible. It is too important that CMA provides as welcoming and inclusive sense of what constitutes spirituality to move toward a more reductive vocabulary. As it is, addicts grab onto whatever we can to rationalize not getting better. This is the precisely the kind of retrogressive change that would turn more people off when the need is as great as it's ever been to inspire and to extend our helping hand.
I'm not always sure I believe in God, but I am sure of one thing. If there is a God it is not a he or a she.
Mark O.
GSR Meeting Saturday March 13, 2010
• * Register: Attention all members that hold commitments at a meeting, district or world level; please go to crystalmeth.org and register your position and what meeting you represent.
• * Area Assembly: We will be having area assemblies throughout the year where we will meet with all GSR and district members throughout California in order to learn more about the future of CMA and to bring the concerns of our district to the world level. The first area assembly will be on March 28th at 3:00pm in LA at Plummer Park (7377 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood) directly following the annual CMALA convention.
• * Chuck C. - Helpline: The next help line sign up & training day is on Wednesday March 24th from 6:00 pm -7:30 pm at the home of Freddie D. and Jonathan C. Please attend if you are interested in taking a shift answering the help line. The shifts are 4 to 8 hours each and the help line number will be forwarded automatically to your phone (cell or home). Go to cmainla.com under contact us and send Chuck C an e-mail.
• * CMA World Conference reports:
1. The service manual: The executive committee went through the service manual and made a few adjustments. This manual is currently a living document that has not yet been voted in. However, the fellowship may start referring to it in order to form more of a unity throughout our program. The manual will be available soon for viewing at crystalmeth.org.
2. The Book: the current title is Unspun. Stories of Hope from Crystal Meth Anonymous. Currently, copies of the manuscript have been handed out for review and feedback from the fellowship at large (there are only 100 copies and these books are not to be copied). They want to hear from as many members as possible and unless there is an overwhelming concern to change something, this book will be voted in for approval as official CMA literature at the next world conference. If anyone is interested in starting a book study, there are members in LA that would be willing to attend and share their copies of the book with you. Please contact us if you are interested.
3. God, Him and the steps: a motion was made to change the steps to recognize God as a “Him”. Currently our steps are gender neutral. No decisions have been made because this is a topic that needs the word of the fellowship at large. We have approximately 500 + meetings a week in 41 states, Canada and Australia. CMA world wants to hear from the groups in order to come up with some kind of consensus. CMA does not take these matters lightly and will not even consider a move until it’s heard from a majority of our fellowship as a whole.
4. The next world conference will be in Phoenix, Arizona in March, 2011. If you are interested in being on a subcommittee or just attending go to Crystalmeth.org and watch for updates. I guarantee you that you won’t regret being a part of this process.
• * All committees are in need of volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to be of service and to give back to your community. If you are interested, go to cmainla.com and send a message to the chairman of the committee you would like to be a part of.
• Roger D. - Information & outreach: The next postcard distribution day will be in April (TBA) in Long Beach. Please contact him at cmainla.com under contact us to join the crew.
• Marvin M. - Registration/Directory: The spring directory will be coming out with in the next week or so. If you want to get some for your meetings please send him an e-mail through cmainla.com under contact us.
• Dale G. - Events: March 17 for 8:00-10:30 pm we will be having a roller skate night to bring in St. Patrick’s Day. This is a fund raiser and all proceeds will go to benefit the district. The location is Moonlight Rollerway 5110 San Fernando Rd Glendale, Ca. 91204 818-241-3630. We are also getting closer to locking in our first retreat for this district. We will have more info on that by the next GSR meeting.
• Victor D. & Donald L. - H&I: We are looking for speakers to visit recovery houses to share their experiences. Invite your sponsees to join as well. To sign up, please attend the next meeting of H&I on Saturday April 10, 2010, at 1pm at the WEHO D&A Center, 626 N. Robertson Blvd. Weho CA 90069.
Long Beach H&I is coming soon.
• Kurt T. - Chips/Literature: Chips & literature are always available at each GSR meeting. The little burgundy edition of the big book is available for $2.00 apiece. There are seven approved pieces of literature, directories and newcomer packets for our district. If you need these items you can come to the meeting or alert your GSR’s. If you notice that literature tables at your meetings are low on CMA literature, please talk to your literature person, secretary, or GSR about obtaining these items. The literature is also available as a download PDF at cmainla.com.
• Meetings that need support are:
Tuesday: Spinning into the Solution 7:30 pm @ 2530 Hyperion Ave. in Silver Lake.
Thursday: Speaker/Step Study 8:15 pm @ 1773 Griffith Park Blvd. Los Angeles.
Saturday: Crystal Clear 2:30pm @ Weho D&A Center 626 N. Robertson Blvd.
Saturday: Stayin’ Alive 7:00 pm @ 2530 Hyperion Ave. in Silver Lake.
New Meeting Sunday: Internet Sobrieties Dirty Little Secret starts on April 11th 3pm @1773 Griffith Park Blvd. Los Angeles.
• A copy of this report can be found on cmainla.blogspot.com
The next GSR meeting is on Saturday April 10, 2010 @10am Target Center West Hollywood (the south west corner of La Brea and Santa Monica Blvd.)
• * Area Assembly: We will be having area assemblies throughout the year where we will meet with all GSR and district members throughout California in order to learn more about the future of CMA and to bring the concerns of our district to the world level. The first area assembly will be on March 28th at 3:00pm in LA at Plummer Park (7377 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood) directly following the annual CMALA convention.
• * Chuck C. - Helpline: The next help line sign up & training day is on Wednesday March 24th from 6:00 pm -7:30 pm at the home of Freddie D. and Jonathan C. Please attend if you are interested in taking a shift answering the help line. The shifts are 4 to 8 hours each and the help line number will be forwarded automatically to your phone (cell or home). Go to cmainla.com under contact us and send Chuck C an e-mail.
• * CMA World Conference reports:
1. The service manual: The executive committee went through the service manual and made a few adjustments. This manual is currently a living document that has not yet been voted in. However, the fellowship may start referring to it in order to form more of a unity throughout our program. The manual will be available soon for viewing at crystalmeth.org.
2. The Book: the current title is Unspun. Stories of Hope from Crystal Meth Anonymous. Currently, copies of the manuscript have been handed out for review and feedback from the fellowship at large (there are only 100 copies and these books are not to be copied). They want to hear from as many members as possible and unless there is an overwhelming concern to change something, this book will be voted in for approval as official CMA literature at the next world conference. If anyone is interested in starting a book study, there are members in LA that would be willing to attend and share their copies of the book with you. Please contact us if you are interested.
3. God, Him and the steps: a motion was made to change the steps to recognize God as a “Him”. Currently our steps are gender neutral. No decisions have been made because this is a topic that needs the word of the fellowship at large. We have approximately 500 + meetings a week in 41 states, Canada and Australia. CMA world wants to hear from the groups in order to come up with some kind of consensus. CMA does not take these matters lightly and will not even consider a move until it’s heard from a majority of our fellowship as a whole.
4. The next world conference will be in Phoenix, Arizona in March, 2011. If you are interested in being on a subcommittee or just attending go to Crystalmeth.org and watch for updates. I guarantee you that you won’t regret being a part of this process.
• * All committees are in need of volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to be of service and to give back to your community. If you are interested, go to cmainla.com and send a message to the chairman of the committee you would like to be a part of.
• Roger D. - Information & outreach: The next postcard distribution day will be in April (TBA) in Long Beach. Please contact him at cmainla.com under contact us to join the crew.
• Marvin M. - Registration/Directory: The spring directory will be coming out with in the next week or so. If you want to get some for your meetings please send him an e-mail through cmainla.com under contact us.
• Dale G. - Events: March 17 for 8:00-10:30 pm we will be having a roller skate night to bring in St. Patrick’s Day. This is a fund raiser and all proceeds will go to benefit the district. The location is Moonlight Rollerway 5110 San Fernando Rd Glendale, Ca. 91204 818-241-3630. We are also getting closer to locking in our first retreat for this district. We will have more info on that by the next GSR meeting.
• Victor D. & Donald L. - H&I: We are looking for speakers to visit recovery houses to share their experiences. Invite your sponsees to join as well. To sign up, please attend the next meeting of H&I on Saturday April 10, 2010, at 1pm at the WEHO D&A Center, 626 N. Robertson Blvd. Weho CA 90069.
Long Beach H&I is coming soon.
• Kurt T. - Chips/Literature: Chips & literature are always available at each GSR meeting. The little burgundy edition of the big book is available for $2.00 apiece. There are seven approved pieces of literature, directories and newcomer packets for our district. If you need these items you can come to the meeting or alert your GSR’s. If you notice that literature tables at your meetings are low on CMA literature, please talk to your literature person, secretary, or GSR about obtaining these items. The literature is also available as a download PDF at cmainla.com.
• Meetings that need support are:
Tuesday: Spinning into the Solution 7:30 pm @ 2530 Hyperion Ave. in Silver Lake.
Thursday: Speaker/Step Study 8:15 pm @ 1773 Griffith Park Blvd. Los Angeles.
Saturday: Crystal Clear 2:30pm @ Weho D&A Center 626 N. Robertson Blvd.
Saturday: Stayin’ Alive 7:00 pm @ 2530 Hyperion Ave. in Silver Lake.
New Meeting Sunday: Internet Sobrieties Dirty Little Secret starts on April 11th 3pm @1773 Griffith Park Blvd. Los Angeles.
• A copy of this report can be found on cmainla.blogspot.com
The next GSR meeting is on Saturday April 10, 2010 @10am Target Center West Hollywood (the south west corner of La Brea and Santa Monica Blvd.)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
St. Patty's Day Skate
Hello Everyone!
It is all set. Please announce our St. Pattys Day Skating event on March 17th at Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale! Skating goes from 8 till 10:30. The cost is 12.00 and we are going to have a blast! I will send out the flyer by tomorrow and we will have flyers to pass out by Monday. Hope everyone can spread the word!
Moonlight Rollerway is at:
5110 San Fernando Rd
Glendale CA 91204
818-241-3630
It is all set. Please announce our St. Pattys Day Skating event on March 17th at Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale! Skating goes from 8 till 10:30. The cost is 12.00 and we are going to have a blast! I will send out the flyer by tomorrow and we will have flyers to pass out by Monday. Hope everyone can spread the word!
Moonlight Rollerway is at:
5110 San Fernando Rd
Glendale CA 91204
818-241-3630
Monday, March 1, 2010
Dear Tina
I am writing this letter to you to let you know our relationship is over. I can no longer let you ravage my roguish good looks or poison my mind. A mind that wanted nothing but more of you has gone to focus on me for a while. I thank you for the inspiration you have given my art, you have been my muse and God knows you’re good in bed, but I need more.
I need the sun on my face and real friends. You always said I would be nothing without you, but I can’t live in your shadow anymore. I have no desire to be one of your ”boys.” We have had so many adventures together it’s hard not to look back with fondness, but I can’t forget what I let you steal from me either.
When we met I had friends, lovers, a home, art supplies and like you, many fans, but I gave them each up to you as a sign of my love and commitment. You filled a hole in me for a long time, many holes in fact and I thank you.
I guess I should let you know I have a new Love. He is Spirit and he makes me feel things you never could. He does not lie to me. I feel whole in His arms and the desire to live has replaced the desire to die I eventually found with you.
I know about your other lovers and pray they wake up to your deceit and selfish needs. You were so beautiful once to me, but have lost that power and glow. And I have gotten mine back.
We were just kids but it’s time to grow up. I finally see you for who you are, A selfish, self-centered hypocrite that cares only for herself and not if I live or die.
Jay L.
P.S. My family hates you.
I need the sun on my face and real friends. You always said I would be nothing without you, but I can’t live in your shadow anymore. I have no desire to be one of your ”boys.” We have had so many adventures together it’s hard not to look back with fondness, but I can’t forget what I let you steal from me either.
When we met I had friends, lovers, a home, art supplies and like you, many fans, but I gave them each up to you as a sign of my love and commitment. You filled a hole in me for a long time, many holes in fact and I thank you.
I guess I should let you know I have a new Love. He is Spirit and he makes me feel things you never could. He does not lie to me. I feel whole in His arms and the desire to live has replaced the desire to die I eventually found with you.
I know about your other lovers and pray they wake up to your deceit and selfish needs. You were so beautiful once to me, but have lost that power and glow. And I have gotten mine back.
We were just kids but it’s time to grow up. I finally see you for who you are, A selfish, self-centered hypocrite that cares only for herself and not if I live or die.
Jay L.
P.S. My family hates you.
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