BIG SHOUT OUT TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS YEAR S EANA 33 RD CONVENTION SUCH A HUGE SUCCESS!

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1 E.A.N.A. M NTHLY Edmonton Area Narcotics Anonymous June 2018 Issue 57 This time of year is ripe with opportunities to connect with one another AND nature at campouts and outdoor events. We bask in enjoyment of these warmer months. As we join in fellowship around many a campfire, let us always keep the fires of recovery burning in our hearts. Like the flames of a campfire that bring us together, keep us warm and produce a smoke that protects us from mosquitos, our recovery program offers a depth of fellowship and support that we may not have known before, keeps us in the warm glow of awareness, willingness and connection to a Higher Power of our choosing, and, that which our recovery produces protects us from the spiritual vampire that is active addiction. May the social invitations of this summer deepen your fellowship with others, and may you be ever aware of the power of our collective consciousness. Roberta S., Newsletter Coordinator BIG SHOUT OUT TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS YEAR S EANA 33 RD CONVENTION SUCH A HUGE SUCCESS! E.A.N.A. MONTHLY is a publication of the Edmonton Area Narcotics Anonymous and articles contained within are those of our members. The opinions expressed in E.A.N.A. MONTHLY are strictly those of who submitted the items and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of E.A.N.A., N.A. or of its members as a whole. The use of the word God in E.A.N.A. MONTHLY is used as per the definition found in our NA literature. Our concept of God comes not from dogma but from what we believe and from what works for us. Many of us understand God to be simply whatever force keeps us clean. The right to a God of your understanding is total and without any catches. Because we have this right, it is necessary to be honest about our belief if we are to grow spiritually. Narcotics Anonymous Fifth Edition, page 25.

2 Our Members Share A few weeks ago, I had the honor and privilege of being a part of a team of volunteers at a large, bi-annual event that is designed to assist members of our community and society who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Guests could get services such as haircuts, foot care, eye and dental exams, assistance with taxes, medical or legal issues. They could get help obtaining identification, housing or creating a resume. Clothing and footwear was available, snacks and coffee, and of course a hot lunch. At this event, I met Jim. Jim had not lost his home, but came precariously close. He lived a normal life, like any man you might pass on the road. Job, wife, kids, home. Then, one day, Jim was involved in a horrific car crash. He broke his neck, but survived. Unable to work, he lost his job. Soon, the insurance money ran out, and Jim turned to social assistance. His wife left him. He rented a small apartment. Jim could not afford to pay rent and eat. He had to choose between the two, and he chose rent. He went to the local food bank, and that helped, but it wasn t enough. Causally, Jim would eventually tell me that most months, he would go three, four or even five days without eating at all, just so he could pay rent. By now, of course, my heart was crying for this gentle man, and I encouraged him to get connected with some of the service providers who were at the event to help folks exactly like Jim. He replied, Oh no, things are better now. Now I eat almost every day. The most striking thing about Jim however, is that he wasn t at the event to get assistance. No, Jim was at this event as a volunteer. He was there to help others. The difference between Jim s circumstances and my own, is nothing more than grace. I have a good life. I work hard and spend time with my beautiful wife. This life I have however, is not earned or deserved. No, my life is a gift of grace. I have no misconceptions, thanks to inspirational men and women like Jim, that it can all be stripped away in a blink of an eye. I am reminded to live this moment like it is the only one I ve ever had or will have, for it truly is. And I remain inspired and reminded to give generously of myself every chance that I am able. When I find that I m feeling sorry for myself or when I feel down on my luck, I think of Jim, and remember how blessed I am able to serve others. You can too. When life is unkind, as it inevitably is from time to time, I encourage you to find a way to serve others. Better yet, don t wait until times are tough. Go now and help someone. While the recipients will certainly appreciate your efforts, like me, you will always benefit the most. Who knows, you might even meet Jim. ~ Anonymous 2

3 Clean Time Celebrations Member Year Place Date John H. 4 Recovery Comes First June 3 Troy T. 9 Freedom 2000 June 7 Gabe 18 months NA Pride June 8 Jennifer W. 6 Higher Powered June 11 Wayne M. 1 Faith Group June 13 Leslie F. 5 Addicts Living Free June 14 Brenda J. 22 Serenity Seekers June 14 Blair M. 2 Face the World June 16 Robin 5 Freedom 2000 June 22 Roberta S. 5 Faith Group June 24 Natasha H. 2 Faith Group June 24 Kelly H. 3 Faith Group June 27 Melanie K. 4 Faith Group June 27 Megan A. 3 Freedom 2000 June 29 IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR CELEBRATION TO APPEAR IN THE NEWSLETTER, PLEASE MAKE A SUBMISSION OR ASK YOUR HOMEGROUP TO MAKE A SUBMISSION ON YOUR BEHALF TO: eananewslettercoordinator@gmail.com 3

4 Being of Service OUTREACH! By phone, by mail, and by car they make sure that no group and no addict has to go through it alone if at all possible. ~A Guide to Local Services If you re interested in visiting an out-of-town meeting on our meeting list, you will be reimbursed for fuel. Please contact our outreach coordinator at: Please note: There has been a time change for the Public Relations Orientation and Committee Meeting Public Relations Committee Orientation Workshop is every second Sunday from 12 1pm in the basement of Queen Mary Park: Avenue, Edmonton Public Relations Committee Meeting to follow at 1pm. The following positions are in need of being filled: Men s Remand Panel Leader Women s Fort Saskatchewan Panel Leader Alberta Hospital Panel Leader AHS info session Panel Leader 4

5 Now that our Public Service Announcements (PSA) are out in the city, we need more people to answer the phone lines. BE ON THE FRONT LINES TO HELP THE STILL SUFFERING ADDICT! 1 year clean time requirement and must be PR orientated. (Orientation is second Sunday of the month 12pm at Queen Mary Park Community League - basement) CONTACT OUR PHONELINE COORDINATOR PETER Anyone interested in or planning on attending the World Convention of Narcotics Anonymous in Orlando, Florida on August 30 th September 2 nd (flyer attached): there are service opportunities available! For more information, please contact Lori Wheeler by at lori@na.org or by phone Monday through Friday from 8am 4pm (PDT) at (818) , ext #

6 Contact Information June 2018 Committee Meeting and Events Schedule MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY Literature 1-3 PM Events 3-5 PM Downstairs, QMP Events Planning Meeting 6:30-9 PM Unitarian Church QMP = Queen Mary Park Community League Street NW Events Planning PRC Orientation 5:30- Meeting 6:30-9 PM 6:30PM Unitarian Church PRC 6:45-9:30 Events Meeting MOVED TO May 31, Radisson Hotel Events Planning Meeting 6:30-9 PM Downstairs, QMP Killarney Community League A Ave. Edmonton 10 Victoria Day Weekend 17 ASC 1-5 PM Downstairs, QMP Events 6:30-9PM, Radisson Hotel Restaurant Unitarian Church Street BOT = Board of Trustees 6

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8 Other Areas NA Events There are many NA Events in and around Edmonton that do not have an associated flyer or poster at the end of this newsletter. Please check: for this summer s events in the central Alberta Area. Please check: for events around the world including numerous events in the United States throughout the summer and fall. 8

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12 Southern Saskatchewan Area of Narcotics Anonymous 34th Annual Convention Tickets on sale now! Full Package Early Bird: $40 At the door: $50 12

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16 WCNA 37 The Magic Is Still Real 30 August - 2 September 2018 Orlando, FL, USA 16