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THE FRIA FLYER
VOLUME II 9794 W. Peoria Ave. Suite #2 Peoria, AZ 85345
623-937-7770
www.aawestphoenix.org
February 2015
Issue 2
A Special Kind of Peace
I suppose that perhaps it is best described as a new purpose
in life. That for all of us there has to be a particular
incident that causes us to pause and to reassess our
personal goals and values and brings with it the
commitment that one must have if we are to "practice
these principles in all our affairs."
God has been kind to me in the way he has enhanced my
personal experience. For many of us the significant event
is part of our drinking experience. In my own case, I was
able to get the real message of what AA is all about
through an entirely different event--my first Twelfth Step
task.
It was at that early, difficult, often painful and insecure
period when I was just emerging from the nightmare. I was
once again beginning to become aware of the world
around me. This may sound strange but toward the end of
my drinking the world seemed to have a "sameness" about
it. I was no longer aware of the seasons. The winters,
summers, autumns, and springs had somehow merged into
one dark, angry, fearful, and lonely place. I seemed as
alone in my recovery as I had been with my drinking and I
had to wrestle on an hour-to-hour, day-to-day basis with
my engulfing insanity. God and I still seemed a lonely
place.
The little things that happen, the spoken word, the kind
smile, the nod of encouragement--the fellowship that goes
with the program--these things I will never forget.
I went to a meeting one particular day. I still had that lost
feeling of not really belonging--had all of this perhaps
come too late?
Steps, Traditions, and Concepts
of Alcoholics Anonymous
Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves
could restore us to sanity.
Tradition 2: For our group purpose there is but one ultimate
authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our
group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they
do not govern.
Concept II: The General Service Conference of A.A. has
become, for nearly every practical purpose, the active voice
and the effective conscience of our whole Society in its world
affairs.
Steps, Traditions and Concepts reprinted with permission from A.A. World Services, Inc
www.aawestphoenix.org
Agua Fria Intergroup
find meetings
service opportunities
news
events
order literature
I remember that it was a black man who was speaking and
he seemed to have a special kind of peace about him. I
remember how he held his watch and said "If you come to
AA and you still have a watch, you have come too soon." I
remember how good I felt--I did not have a watch when I
came to the Fellowship. I could keep going for yet another
day.
Alcoholics Anonymous “Responsibility Pledge”
Maybe it was part of the miracle and I thank God for it
because one day in our house (it was becoming a home
again) the phone rang and I was asked to go on a call,
there and then; there did not appear to be anyone else
available just at that time and the family sounded
desperate.
“I am responsible…
When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for
help,
I want the hand of A.A. always to be there.
And for that, I am responsible.”
Cont. pp2
Reprinted from the Pamphlet P-1, This is A.A., Page 24, with permission of A.A. World Services,
Inc.
A Special Kind of Peace…Cont. from Page 1 – Part 2
A Special Kind of Peace…Cont. from Page 1 – Part 3
What panic! and the cold sweat again, why me? I am not
ready for this kind of thing. What will I say?
A precious and memorable moment had come into my
life. I was able to put my hand on a thin trembling
shoulder and whisper, "I know how you feel. I know
what you are going through." In the kinship of
common suffering, one alcoholic was talking to
another. "It does not have to be this way--there is
another."
I drove to the address given. It was not in the best part of
town, and I found myself standing in front of what I like
to call a "threadbare house." It's not really a question of
money or material things that makes threadbare houses.
There is just something about some places that I
recognize. It's not difficult to tell when people have
stopped caring--something about the house, something
about the garden--it's not easy to explain, but I am sure
you know what I mean.
The trip home was in so many ways different--so much
had changed. My doubts had changed to faith, an
abiding faith that lives with me to this day. I had gotten
so much from trying to give something away. I now
know without any doubt that the long search was ended
and I had found the place where God as I understand
him wanted me to be and where I truly belonged.
I fought off the panic and marshalled my thoughts: carry
the message, that's what you must do. I knocked at the
door and a few moments later it was opened by a very
small girl. I recognized the frightened, haunted look in
her eyes--it is part of the disease of alcoholism. She
looked up at me and said, "Are you the man who has
come to help my daddy?" I really did not know what to
say. Here was a challenge I had not expected. Why did I
want to run away? I remember stumbling through some
kind of response as she stood aside and let me in, I
followed this little girl down a long corridor--which,
incidentally, badly needed a coat of paint. I noticed that
her blonde hair was a little untidy, that her dress, though
clean, was well worn. We came into a room and she sat
herself on a small bench, her little feet not touching the
ground.
John H.
Benoni
January 1988
Reprinted with permission from Grapevine digital archives.
Call for Personal Stories
from Local A.A. Members
Here at the Fria Flier it is a tradition to publish
the personal stories of local A.A.s. We would
very much like to continue that tradition.
I was immediately aware of familiar smells, smells I
could recognize--the smells of spent anger, fear,
loneliness, and despair. Across the room sat the mother,
unable to understand the hopelessness of it all. What had
become of the man she had married--what of their
dreams?
About 2 pages, at a font size of 10 – 12, is
perfect. Longer stories will be accepted, but
will have to be edited for space constraints.
Daddy appeared confused. He smelled of stale alcohol-not through drinking it recently, he had not had a drink
for several days--it was seeping through his skin.
[email protected]
Please send your stories to:
SATURDAY OFFICE
COVERAGE
I could recall when the same was true of me. I could not
take my eyes off the little girl with a haunted look about
her. Do little girls get angry, fearful, lonely? There was
so much unhappiness about her, and yet, something else-a real strength, perhaps even courage, and yes, a certain
hope which was almost a part of her. Children do seem to
be so much closer to God.
Each month your Home Group can volunteer, at
our Intergroup Office, to cover the phones and
walk in business from 9 AM to 1 PM. Groups
find that this service opportunity keeps them
connected to each other and our AA Community!
All of a sudden I became aware of the real purpose of
Alcoholics Anonymous, and I was no longer afraid. In
my short time in AA I had already witnessed the miracle
of the grace of God. I had engaged in battle with my
obsessions and a consuming insanity. I had realized that
for me there was no hope at all.
January Altering Attitudes
February Tuesday Night Hope
March Gooddale Men’s Stag
April Primary Purpose
May ???
It was easy then. I started to tell them about me and I
could see they began to identify and understand, and
every now and again "Daddy" nodded agreement.
Ask your Intergroup Representative to get your
Group on the calendar soon!
Cont. next column 
2
AFI BULLETIN BOARD
Service Calendar
FOOD FUN AND FELLOWSHIP
February 2, 2015
Sub District 08-801
West Valley Fellowship
919 N. Dysart Rd, Avondale
February 3, 2015
AFI Business Meeting
New Life Community Church
8155 W Thunderbird Rd, Peoria
February 3, 2015
Sub District 08-800
AFI Office
9794 W. Peoria Ave. #2, Peoria
February 10, 2015
Sub District 08-806/807/808
AFI Office
9794 W. Peoria Ave, #2 Peoria
February 11, 2015
Valley-wide H&I
Community Bridges (Bill Wilson Hall)
2770 E Van Buren St, Phoenix
5:15 PM
6:30 PM
2nd Friday
Sobriety Trudgers Potluck
The Southwest Indian School
14202 N. 73rd Ave, Peoria, AZ
7:00 PM
6:30 PM before 7 PM Meeting
3rd Saturday
Happy Valley Group Potluck
7:00 PM
Foothills Christian Church
3951 West Happy Valley Rd (39th Ave & Happy Valley)
February 17, 2015
MCSM/DCM Meeting
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
3539 E. Stanford Dr., Paradise Valley
7:00 PM
February 26, 2015
Valleywide Bridging the Gap Committee Meeting
Denny's on 35th Ave. and Bethany Home Rd
2nd Thursday
Tonopah Fresh Start Group
Tonopah Valley Baptist Church
37702 W. Indian School
6:30 pm before 7:30 meeting
7:00 PM
6:30 PM
February 24, 2015
Valley PI/CPC Committee
SRI Office
3215 E Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix
First United Methodist Church
7102 N. 58th Drive, Glendale AZ
6 PM to 8 PM
February 12, 2015
Sub District 08-802/803/804
St. Helen’s Church
5510 W. Cholla St., Glendale
February 19, 2015
AFI Steering Committee
AFI Office
9794 W. Peoria Ave, #2 Peoria
1st Saturday
Glendale Appreciation Group Potluck
6 PM Speaker at 7 PM
3rd Saturday
West Valley Pot Luck Speaker Panel
All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church
9502 W. Hutton Dr., Sun City
Bring Your Favorite Dish!
Social from 6:00-7:00
Panel Speakers
7 PM
7:00 PM
Last Friday
Friday Night Fighters
Cake and a Speaker
Crossroads West
6:30 PM
7523 N. 35th Ave, Phoenix AZ
7 PM
7:00 PM
(Join us early to eat d inner @ 6:00 if you’d like!)
Last Saturday
Downunder Group Potluck
First Evangelic Church
918 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear AZ
5 pm-7 pm
UNITY
3
On the Road Again!
Where t o Send Cont ribut ions:
Gas up your car and join us on the Road to Happy Destiny at
events around Town and Arizona
General Service Office
PO Box 459
Grand Central Station
New York, NY 10163-0459
Pass It On
Yuma Round Up
Agua Fria Intergroup, Inc.
9794 W. Peoria Ave., Ste 2
Peoria, AZ 85345
February 20-22, 2015
AWC Main Campus
2020 S Avenue 8E
Yuma, AZ
Area 03 Committee
PO Box 1907
Phoenix, AZ 85001-1907
Day in the Park
District 08 Treasurer
PO Box 45066
Phoenix, AZ 85064
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Rio Vista Park
8866 W. Thunderbird Rd
Peoria, AZ
Sub-District 08-800
PO Box 671
El Mirage, AZ 85335
Group Inventory – It’s History and Practice
A Workshop for all Groups/Members
Sub-District 08-801
c/o Denise Ruble
PO Box 274
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
February 28, 2015, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
357 W. Yavapai St.
Wickenburg, AZ
Sub Districts 08-806-807-808-816
c/o Tom White
PO Box 364
Waddell, AZ 85335
25th Annual West Valley Roundup
Language of the Heart
Sub-Districts 08-802-803-804
PO Box 621
Youngtown, AZ 85363
March 20-22, 2015
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Peoria, AZ
Valley Wide Hospitals & Institutions Committee
PO Box 80126
Phoenix, AZ 85060
80 Years – Happy, Joyous and Free
2015 International Convention
of Alcoholics Anonymous
Bridging the GAP
PO Box 716
Peoria, AZ 85382
July 2-5, 2015
Atlanta, Georgia
H & I Monthly Big Book Drive
Valley Wide Hospitals and Institutions.
H & I provides literature for the confined alcoholic
H & I is looking for new or used Big Books, any 12 Step literature or any
AA related books that can be taken to Treatment Centers or Jails.
Please bring any literature you’d like to donate to the H & I Business
Meeting held the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Bill Wilson Hall.
2770 E. Van Buren St, Phoenix. You may also call Abby P. at
602.329.0781 to make other arrangement for Pick up or Delivery of your
donation.
4
Agua Fria Intergroup
Business Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2014
Dave E opened the meeting at 7:00 pm with the Serenity Prayer.
The 12 Traditions were read by Gwen.
New AFI Groups: None
New AFI Representatives: Robyn S – Altering Attitudes, Mitch W – Sundowners, Dan – Unshakeable Foundation.
Introduction of Steering Committee Members: Dave E (Chair), Raena Q (Co-Chair), Mike E (Office Manager), Leanne S
(Secretary), Larry T (Treasurer), Jocelyn W, Jen R, and Nik B.
Dick F and Diane P were absent.
7th Tradition: Collected – $55.00
Roll Call: 33 IGR’s in attendance including the 3 new representatives.
Approval of the November AFI Business Meeting Minutes: Dave asked for a motion to approve the November 4, 2014
Business Meeting minutes. Jeff B motioned to accept the minutes as written and Fred L seconded. Motion passed
unanimously.
Office Manager’s Report: (Mike E 623-570-1875 or [email protected].)
1. Mike presented his written report (See attached.)
2. Mike announced that he had given to Dave E his written resignation at the November Steering Committee Meeting.
3. Mike announced that Mike G had provided Christmas Alcothon fliers in bundles for the reps to take to their
groups.
Chairperson’s Report: (Dave E 602-725-7335)
1. Dave reported that he had accepted Mike E’s letter of resignation, but didn’t enjoy it.
2. Dave reiterated the need to consider an AFI group inventory by the Steering Committee since several people are
ending their terms and with Mike resigning, much valued experience and knowledge could be lost.
Vice-Chairperson’s Report: (Raena Q 602-361-0631) –
1. Raena announced that the Thanksgiving Event went great and the final committee meeting is to be Saturday at 2:30
pm at Crossroads West.
2. Christmas Alcothon preparations going well. Carolina was absent but the flyers have contact information for
groups to volunteer to chair meetings.
3. Jim and Jerry are here to give the NYE and Day in the Park reports.
4. The Family Campout and Fishing Derby is scheduled for April 17 – 19, 2015.
Treasurer’s Report: (Larry T 469-263-5398)
1. Larry presented a written report (See attached.) Jerry motioned to accept the report and Jeff B seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
2. Larry announced that the yearly budget has been completed.
Archivist’s Report: (Kelli C 602-573-0960) – Absent, no report.
Area Liaison: (Pat L 623-734-0151) – Pat presented his written report (see attached).
H&I Liaison: (Brett C 602-663-3921) – Absent. Mike reported that the West Phoenix Prison needs a new coordinator to
arrange meetings there.
Steering Committee: (Jocelyn W) – Jocelyn recapped the November Steering Committee meeting. In addition to the reports
by officers: the Steering Committee reviewed the previous month’s Business Meeting minutes, approved next month’s
Business Meeting agenda, approved last month’s Steering Committee meeting minutes, reviewed the Treasurer’s
report and 2015 Budget, discussed the prior (June 2012) AFI Inventory and checked in with the ad-hoc committee on
flooring.
Committee Reports:
Telephone: (Deb K 623-326-0406) – Deb was absent.. Mike reported that the Committee will need a new chairperson and that
Sasha (current co-chair) is very interested but would be unable to attend the AFI Business Meetings due to her work schedule.
Newsletter: (Jerry M 602-320-9799) – Jerry was not excited about not having a local story to run this month. He needs our
local personal stories, funnies, etc. and encourages members to send in their stories to him online at
[email protected].
Unity: (George R 623-337-0061) – George reported that his committee is down to only 2 members. Next meeting is December
16 at 7pm. (57th Ave/Greenway).
PI/CPC: (John Z 602-390-6739)
1. PI/CPC participated 11/20/14 in the event at the VA ‘Center for Healthy Living’.
2. PI/CPC (Public Information and Cooperation with the Professional Community) needs weekday presenters; the
only requirement is participation in one of their quarterly training sessions.
3. Rick, the Literature Chair, placed literature in Goodyear and Avondale (police stations, library).
4. Susan and Phil did the quarterly presentation to GC College School of Nursing.
5. The Spanish PI/CPC will be submitting a public service announcement.
6. No PI/CPC meeting in December. For more information, contact John Z or
Susan at
[email protected]. The next quarterly workshop is February 24.
Website: (Bill M 602-361-2938) – Bill presented written report (see attached). Bill, Mike and Judy are working on the new
design and website host provider. It should be operational by the first of the year. Call Bill if you have any questions
5
about the website.
Special Events:
Day in the Park: (Jerry L 602-904-1088) – The event will be at Rio Vista Park on February 21, 2015. Jerry has the
committee fully staffed. The next committee meeting will be on December 8.
Family Campout and Fishing Derby: (JJ O 602-481-4875) – Absent. Raena reported that the date for the event will be
April 17-19 at Bartlett Lake South Cove. Anyone interested in volunteering for the event call JJ.
AFI Anniversary: (Dave E 602-725-7335) – No report.
Thanksgiving: (Diane P 602-999-2699/Jocelyn W 602-448-6059) – Diane absent. Dave E attended the event and said it
was a fun affair.
Christmas: (Carolina G 602-402-4248) – Carolina absent. Raena reported everything has been going well. Shirley M
is the chair of the ‘Long-Timers’ Meeting at 6pm. The next committee meeting will be December 14th.
Remember new location this year: Comfort Suites at 99th & Camelback.
New Year’s Eve: (Jim W 480-734-4585) – Jim requested that the reps turn in all unsold event tickets. Tickets will still
be available through the AFI Office in person or via phone orders until 12/27/14. The doors open at 6:30 pm.
Alanon speaker is Ed G and AA speaker Patty O.
Old Business: AFI Office Flooring Ad Hoc Committee – Jen R presented a written report, adding that the estimated cost of
replacing the baseboards would be an additional expense of approximately $450. She also provided copies of the
report/proposal for the reps to present at their home groups for a group conscious on the proposed replacement of the office
flooring. The committee’s recommendation is a decorative wood-grain look, vinyl tile for the entire 1050sf of the office.
New Business:
1. AFI Office Manager’s Position: IGRs were notified of position opening and provided with a printout of all
necessary information to take to groups. Interviews will be held in February. Interview committee will
forward all qualified applicants to the AFI Board of Directors for selection.
2. AFI Nominations:
a. Steering Committee Nominations:
Nora nominated Jocelyn, she accepted.
b. Service Sub-Committee Nominations:
Leanne S nominated Jerry M for Newsletter, Jerry accepted.
John Z nominated Susan W for PI/CPC, she accepted.
Pat L nominated George R for Unity, George accepted.
Pat L nominated Bill M for Website, Bill accepted.
George nominated Sasha for Telephone (in absentia-Sasha has confirmed
her acceptance via Mike E.)
Office Volunteers:
December – Band of Brothers
March – Gooddale Men’s Stag
January – Altering Attitudes
April – Primary Purpose
February – Tuesday Night Hope
Announcements:
1. Raena will give a 10 minute orientation after the meeting for new IGRs.
2. Please help clean up and put the tables & chairs back.
3. Jeff B announced that the West Valley Roundup is forming the committee for the
event. Meeting will be held this Sunday 12/14 at the Alano Club.
Motion to Close: Jeff B motioned to close the meeting. Gwen seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.
Dave E closed the meeting at 8: 29pm with the Responsibility Statement.
Does your Home Group have a
Call for A.A. tee-shirts
PI/CPC Representative?
Why Not?
A.A. tee-shirts needed for the tee-shirt quilt, for the
raffle at this year’s AFI anniversary party. Any shirt
from a roundup, or with A.A. slogans or images is good.
Please bring them to the AFI office, or leave a message
with the office, and Kathy S. will contact you to make
arrangements to come pick them up.
Help Carry the Message to the
Community
Committee Meets
Every 4th Tuesday
6:30 @ SRI Office
3215 E. Thunderbird #B
THANK YOU!!!
6
Group Donations for Fiscal Year 2015
Fiscal Year Begins September 1.
Dec 14
Sep - Dec
14
Dec 14
0.00
Sep - Dec
14
303.49
11th Steppers
0.00
100.00
West of the Sun Group
Altering Attitudes
0.00
490.83
West Side Winners
0.00
100.00
0.00
78.04
Awakening
0.00
507.70
West Valley Recovery Group
Bagnaasty
0.00
250.00
Willing To Change
1,058.20
1,058.20
Big Book 164 AA
0.00
100.00
Wings of Sobriety
0.00
50.00
Black Canyon City Group
0.00
40.13
Winners Circle
WOMEN'S STEP MEETING IN
VERRADO
0.00
379.80
0.00
95.00
Bone Dry Group
100.00
200.00
Cactus Capers Group
0.00
50.00
Carry the Message
0.00
80.00
Celebrate Homecoming
300.00
300.00
Deer Valley West Group
0.00
100.00
DownUnder Group
0.00
125.00
Goodale Mens Stag
0.00
169.59
Happy Valley Group
80.70
451.05
Hope For Today
0.00
1,000.00
How it Works TODAY
0.00
33.00
Last House Group
0.00
141.50
20.00
20.00
Maryvale Group
Mens Gut Level Stag
66.00
136.00
Mens Stag Meeting
350.00
350.00
Mid-Day
500.00
500.00
30.00
30.00
Nomad Of Happy Trails
0.00
520.00
Over 50 Group
0.00
300.00
Peoria PM Group
0.00
57.74
Promises Group FS#50
0.00
185.00
No Half Measures
Saturday Sobriety
Seniors in Sobriety Sunflower
Smoke Busters
Sober View
Sobriety "R" Us
35.00
60.00
115.00
210.00
90.00
90.00
0.00
100.00
0.00
79.78
Sobriety Trudgers
100.00
250.00
Stardust Big Book
0.00
90.00
248.55
481.61
Sun City Living Sober
0.00
195.00
Sun City Serenity Group
0.00
50.00
350.00
350.00
0.00
100.00
Sunday Night Discussion
65.45
104.45
Sunday Night Newcomers
87.50
432.50
Surprise Serenity Group
0.00
200.00
Surprise Womens Group
0.00
140.80
The Promises Group SCW
0.00
82.00
Tonopah Fresh Start
0.00
120.00
Verrado Turning Point
0.00
56.00
We Are Not Saints
0.00
170.00
Stepping Stones Group
Sun City Sharing Time Group
Sun City Wednesday Nite Step
Ya Ya Belles
TOTAL :
70.00
70.00
3,666.40
11,734.21
Thank You!!!
A Higher Power for Atheists
“I have had many experiences with atheists,
mostly good. Everybody in A.A. has the right
to his own opinion. It is much better to
maintain an open and tolerant society than it is
to suppress any small disturbances their
opinions might occasion. Actually, I don’t
know of anybody who went off and died of
alcoholism because of some atheist’s opinions
on the cosmos.
“But I do always entreat these folkis to look to
a ‘Higher Power’—namely, their own group.
When they come in, most of their A.A. group
is sober, and they are drunk. Therefore, the
group is a ‘Higher Power.’ That’s a good
enough start, and most of them do progress
from there. I know how they feel, because I
was once that way myself.”
Letter, 1962
Reprinted, with permission, from As Bill Sees It (pp.276)
7
AGUA FRIA INTERGROUP
9794 W. Peoria Ave. Suite #2
Peoria, AZ 85345
KEEP INFORMED ON WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR AGUA FRIA INTERGROUP!
If you or your Group would like to receive this newsletter, simply fill out this form and return it
to the AGUA FRIA INTERGROUP office. Or call 623.937.7836. Although this newsletter is a free
publication of the Agua Fria Intergroup, Inc., there are certain costs involved in printing and
mailing. A $10.00 subscription, per year, for individuals or 10 copies per month for $20.00 for a
Group subscription will help defray the costs of this monthly newsletter or Free Newsletter by
e-mail. If you wish to include a donation, simply attach your check or money order payable to
Agua Fria Intergroup Newsletter. Mail to: Agua Fria Intergroup, 9794 W Peoria Ave. Ste #2
Peoria, AZ 85345.
All donations are appreciated.
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or
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8