TRIANGLE EXPRESS

Our literature offers profound wisdom on every aspect of our recovery. AA’s written word explains, with no room for doubt, how to escape the black-ness of self pity and self-consumption; how to find freedom from bondage; and how to live in harmo-ny with the world, serenely and with purpose. Here is but a small sampling of AA’s look into an oft misunderstood concept - humility. In every AA story, pain has been the price of admission into a new life. But this admission price purchased more than these life-giving principles for ourselves. At some point in our path to sobriety comes a dawning, such as our literature states: Then, in AA, we looked and listened. Everywhere we saw failure and misery transformed by humility into priceless assets. To those who have made progress in AA, humility amounts to a clear recog-nition of what and who we really are, followed by a sincere attempt to become what we could be. In trudging our way, we discover what Bill W. related in a talk: “All we expected. It led us AA progress can be to a measure of humility, which we soon dis-covered to be a healer of pain. We began to fear pain less, and desire humility more than ever.

As we first realize that maybe we haven’t done quite as good a job with our lives as we thought, we read: For just so long as we were convinced that we could live exclusively by our own individual strength and intelligence, for just that long was a working faith in a Higher Power impossible.

In our first steps we become aware of what obstacles we must overcome when we read from a letter written by Bill W.: Self-pity is one of the most unhappy and consuming defects that we know. It is a bar to all spiritual progress and can cut off all effective communication with our fellows because of it’s inordinate demands for attention and sympathy. It is a maudlin form of martyrdom, which we can ill afford. The remedy? Well, let’s have a hard look at ourselves, and a still harder one at AA’s Twelve Steps to recovery. When we see how many of our fellow AA’s have used the Steps to transcend great pain and adversity, we shall be inspired to try just two words: humility and responsibility. Our whole spiritual develop-ment can be accurately measured by our degree of adherence to these magnificent standards. Ever deepening humility, accompanied by an ever greater willingness to accept and to act upon clear-cut obligations - these are truly our touch-stones for all growth in the life of the spirit.”

In quest of that person we wish to be, AA states: We ought to be willing to try humility in seeking the removal of our other shortcomings, just as we did when we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, and came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. If humility could enable us to find the grace by which the deadly alcohol obsession could be banished, then there must be hope of the same result respecting any other problem we can possi-bly have.

To strengthen us against our inner enemies along our journey we read: The attainment of greater humility principle of each of AA’s Twelve Steps. For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. Nearly all AA’s have found, too, that unless they develop much more of this precious quality than may be required just for sobriety, they still haven’t much chance of becoming truly happy. Without it, they cannot live to much useful pur-pose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency.

The uncomplicated humility Bill speaks of in his writings, he no doubt learned a great deal of from Dr. Bob, of whom Bill claimed had more true humility than any man he had ever met, and far more than he himself could ever hope to achieve. Dr. Bob influenced all of Bill’s writings. Perhaps none more so than the last words Dr. Bob ever spoke to Bill: “Bill, let’s not louse this thing up. Let’s keep it simple.”

Our literature is so much more than our history. The healing knowledge held in our printed works reaches each member in a uniquely personal way. It is so intimately touching that it’s message contin-ually grows as we the reader change within - day by day, year by year.

At our meetings we hear the experience of these words, and in the living examples of our fellowship we come to believe in the truth and practical realities of these words. And in so believing, we will find ourselves living as does this once suffering alcoholic, who, in her joy of freedom from bondage, wrote: “AA has given me serenity of pur-pose and the opportunity to be of service to God and to the people about me, and I am serene in the infallibility of these principles that provide the fulfillment of my purpose.”

-Editorial opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the District Committee. All italicized material reprinted with per-mision from AA World Services.

District 39 Abbotsford Committee Meeting - Monday, August 20, 2007

The meeting opened at 6:00 pmwith the Serenity Prayer.

Committee Members Present:

Brendan W DCM Rose C SecretaryRick I Treasurer (for Doreen) Will B Corrections Chair Doug H Newsletter Chair Mike C Alt. PI/PC ChairTed M Telephone Chair Peter R Webmaster/Directories Rick I Gratitude Day

Voting Members Present:

Mike B	GSR	Attitude Adjustment
Randy C	GSR	Monday Night Beginners
Anne G	GSR	Ladies Happy Hour
Hayden K	GSR	Friends in Need
Mike W	GSR	Friday Night Big Book
Harry T	GSR	Twelve Step Group
Kathryn H	GSR	Saturday Night Grapevine

Visitors Present

Andrea S Matsqui Group/MACYPAA Interim Chair Dianne K Women of Promise

12 Traditions: Read by Rose C.

7th Tradition: $31.43Concept #8: Mike W.Volunteer for Concept #9: Will B.

Minutes from July 16 District Meeting: Motion toaccept by Rick I., Seconded, Will B. Carried

Old Business:

The following positions still need to be filled: Alt sec-retary, archives, treatment chair and PI/CPC chair.

New Business:

Andrea S, the Interim Chair for MACYPAA, handed out posters and flyers for their upcoming dance.MACYPAA is the Mission, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack Young Peoples of Alcoholics Anonymous. Elections willbe held for the committee once a regular meeting location has been found.

Rose C has stepped down from the position ofSecretary as she will be moving. The position is nowvacant. Those considering filling it can contact BrendanW, the District DCM, or attend the next District business meeting.

Doug H has stepped down from the position ofnewsletter chair. The September issue will be his finaledition. Those interested in the position can contactBrendan W, the District DCM, or attend the next business meeting.

Meeting closed at 7:30 pm with the Lord’s Prayer

GOT A QUESTION ??? PLEASE CALL YOUR DISTRICT COMMITTEE

DCM	Brendan W					Newsletter Chair	Doug H		604 859 9903
	kinghavenbrendan@hotmail.com						dugupkarma@gmail.com
Alt. DCM	Debby O		604 825 1716			Corrections Chair	Will B				604 853 4748
Secretary	Rose C		604 864 8552				willbwell@hotmail.com
	rosesoullovely@yahoo.ca					Directory Chair	Peter R		604 897 3470
Treasurer	Doreen K			604 796 0949		Webmaster	Peter R		604 897 3470
	kiwis@telus.net						webmaster39@telus. net
PI/CPC Chair						Grapevine Rep	Sandra D			604 853 5571
PI/CPC Alt. Ch.	Mike C	778 808 1760				Forum 2008 Chair	Doreen K			604 796 0949
Literature Chair	Nikki O				604 820 8853	Gratitude Day Chair Rick I		604 308-4730
	nikknack@telus.net					Treatment Chair
Telephone Chair	Ted M				604 850 3234	Archive Chair

District meetings are held the third Monday of each month. 6:00pm in the Community Room
Real Canadian Superstore on Gladwin Rd. Everyone Welcome! Next meeting September 17, 2007

COMMITTEE REPORTS

DCM Report: Brendan W.

My name is Brendan and I'm an alcoholic.

The end of summer is near and my hope is, it was agood one for all? There are still two District chair positionsopen" Treatment chair and pi/cpc chair. Also a secretaryalt- chair for Sept.& Oct. need to be filled.

BC Yukon Convention will be held next month Sept.7-9 at the Langley Civic Centre. District 39 with 41(MapleRidge) will be co-chairing a meeting there on Sat the 8th at4 pm. Looking foward to being part of it. See you there.

This district will be going to the voting assembly onVancouver Island in October.G.S.R.'S can let me know tonight if they think they will be attending. All other groupscan bring it up in new business and let me know A.S.A.P.SO WE CAN GET THE ROOMS AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS MADE!

Thank you, in Love and Service

Brendan

Corrections Chair: Will B.

Nothing to report except still waiting to get clearances.

Love in Service,

Will B

Literature Chair: Nikki O.

Hi I am an Alcoholic & My Name is Nikki,

Hello all. I am sorry I am unable to be there tonight as Ihave to work @ a clients in Maple Ridge & I just don'tthink I will be able to make it there tonight - any change & Iwill certainly be there..

It is my privilege to serve as your Literature Chair forDistrict 39 - Abbotsford. Sales dropped immensely for themonth of July (compared to $2,000 in June) to 324.00 & asfor August, they are $494.50 to date. Our Year to Date Sales are: $4,146.31 - which I think is pretty good. I thinkpart of the reason our sales are going so well is because

we are reaching other areas, such as Mission & Chilliwack.

Since our last meeting I have placed two orders toGSO, bringing our total cost of all orders to $2,836.98 inCanadian Dollars - this may be out a dollar or two giventhat the last order has not yet arrived.

Another reminder that the Big Book has gone down inprice!!! It is now $9.00.

If you would like to place an order, my e-mail is:nikknack@telus.net & my phone number is: 604-8208853.

Yours in Love & Service

Nikki O

Treatment Chair:

Position open

PI/PC Chair:

Position open.

Directory/Webmaster Chair: Peter R.

Nothing to report this month.

Gratitude Day Chair: Rick I.

The event will be held on Saturday, November 3 at theAbbotsford Cadet Building located at Exhibition Park onHaida Drive. The day begins with a meeting at 7:00 am fol-lowed by a pancake breakfast. There will be meetingsthroughout the day along with Alanon and Alateen guestspeakers and an Old-timers panel. The talent show will provide plenty of entertainment in the late afternoon. Apotluck dinner, sobriety countdown and the AA guestspeaker round out the early evening and you can danceuntil midnight to DJ provided music.

The hall has been booked and the tickets have been printed (cost is $10). A committee meeting has beenscheduled for Tuesday, August 28. Please contact Rick at604-854-3630 if you'd like to assist and attend.

Forum 2008 Chair: Doreen K

Nothing to report this month.

Newsletter Chair: Doug H.

Sadly I must step down as Newsletter Chair. I haveenjoyed my short stint immensely. Recent events precludemy continuing beyond this, the September issue. It hasbeen many years since I have been involved at a Districtlevel and am grateful for what little time I was able to haveamong you. It is very much a privilege to serve theFellowship in anyway one can. My most cherished memo-ries will be the dusting off of some of our AA books torefresh my memory in a humble attempt to offer up some-thing of interest. I dearly love our rich store of AA literatureand am very proud to have unabashedly promoted it.

Readers also know of my advocacy for local fellowshipand social events. I am particularly thankful that the Districtgave me the freedom to write on this important issue. Dr.Bob often spoke of the absolute need for a busy and fulfill-ing AA social life. Several younger members have recentlytaken this need to heart and have created the MACYPAA. Good luck Young People! And God Bless.

My sincerest thanks go out to the many nice folks Ihave met in the process; those who have treated me sokindly, offered sound advice, helped with distribution, andtrusted my judgment.

Always in fellowship

Doug H

Grapevine Chair: Sandra D.

Nothing to report this month

Archives Chair:

Position is available.

GROUP REPORTS

Monday Night Beginners: Randy C

Large turnout the past few meetings. Several cakes sofar in August and 2 more in September. Looking to supportour Area and provide a strong meeting place on Mondaynight.

Clearbrook Podium Group: Peter R

Our group meets in the Seniors room at Matsqui RecCentre. We have on average around 50 people with about12 core members.

Daily Reflections: Will B

Meet at the Alano Club 5 days a week. 6 members,only 2 involved with service. If nothing changes than noth-ing changes. No cakes to report. Have had the phone forthe last two months and will have it one more month.

Friday Night Big Book Study: Mike W

Attendance is up around 30 and strong. 7th tradition issteady. Group membership is up with a couple new mem-bers. Members participation is getting better. More mem-bers are involved with service work. Group is getting backon track.

Ladies Happy Hour: Anne G

Meeting going well. 2 new members.

Red Road Group: Mike C

Good attendance, 20 -25 people, with lots of oldtimers. Gratitude Day is October 6, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to

12:00 p.m. with a salmon barbeque and dance. Guestspeaker to be announced. Cost is $10.00.

Upcoming birthdays Keith R-4 years Sept 5, 2007,Mike C- 4 years Sept 19, 2007

Breakfast Club: Sandra D

Meeting takes place at Roseland restaurant on SouthFraser way starting at 7:00 a.m.

Lucky People: Doug H

We now need a larger coffee pot. The group continuesto grow steadily with a good mixture of recent and longterm sobriety. Visitors who come for the first time love thespirit of the room and keep coming back. We really are theLucky People - all of us in the fellowship.

12 Step Group: Harry T

Attendance down during the summer. Well supportedwith sobriety. Financially sound. Wally P's sobriety date isSept 28, 1992 - 2007.

Saturday Night Grapevine: Kathryn H

Our group is continuing to grow and function in astrong and active way. We are moving our location to theMatsqui Recreational Centre. We will meet in the senior's

DISTRICT 39 DISTRICT 39 AREA 79 GSO

YTD YTD YTD 2006 2007 2007 2006 to July 16 to June 30 to June

Attitude Adjustment 2705.21 1595.19 1207.00 618.60 Daily Reflections 90.00 60.00 --Monday Night Beginners 320.00 370.00 170.00 140.00 Aaction Group 300.00 600.00 -100.00 Tuesday 12 Step Group 200.00 145.00 145.00 50.00 Ladies Happy Hour 300.00 125.00 75.00 60.00 Friends in Need ----Clearbrook Podium Group -450.00 158.00 75.00 Breakfast Club 425.00 100.00 100.00 -Wednesday Noon Discussion -35.00 --Women of Promise 50.00 150.00 150.00 50.00 Wednesday Night Discussion 120.00 ---Red Road 250.00 ---Old Fashioned AA Group ----Thursday Nite Big Book 325.00 340.00 -165.00 Matsqui Village Group 460.00 50.00 50.00 210.00 Freedom from Bondage -75.00 --Friday Nite Big Book Study ----Friday Nite Mens’ Closed 300.00 200.00 -285.00 Saturday Nite Grapevine 100.00 60.00 -50.00 Candlelight Group 430.00 700.00 50.00 -Lucky People Group ----Monday Night Big Book 131.70

6,375.21 5,186.89 2,105.00 1,803.60

Groups contributing out of 21 15 17 12 11

Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 2, 3

Powell River 60th AA Rally

Alano Club, United Church Basement Town Centre Hotel, 4660 Joyce

Sept. 7, 8, 9

Revelstoke AA Round Up

St. Peter’s Anglican Church Hall 622 Second St. W.

September 8

Tri-Cities AA Women’s Day

The Kyle Centre
125 Kyle St, Port Moody BC

Sept. 21, 22, 23

Kelowna Round Up

Immaculate Church Hall, 869 Sutherland Ave.

Sept. 21, 22, 23

Port Alberni’s 28th AA Rally

Hansen Hall, 3940 Johnston Rd.

Sept. 29

Mission Annual Round Up

St. Andrews Church, 7756 Grand St. Mission Info: Cyd 778-388-8611 Maryanne 604-820-4866

Oct. 5, 6, 7

Vancouver Round Up

Maritimers Hall, 1880 Triumph St.

Oct. 6

Red Road Group Gratitude Day

AA / Alanon / Alateen Speakers Salmon Barbeque & Dance 3092 Sumas Mt. Rd. Info: Mike C. 778-808-1760

Oct. 13

Hope Round Up

Royal Canadian Legion, 344 4th St.

Oct. 13, 14

Roberts Creek OctSober Fest

Roberts CreekHall, 1309 Roberts Creek Rd.

Sept. 8, 9.

BC Yukon Convention

Langley Civic Centre Poster - see bcyukonaa link

Oct. 19, 20, 21

BC Yukon Area 79 Voting Assembly

Sidney, B.C.Website: BC/Yukon Area 79 Website