Central Ohio Service Intergroup of Overeaters Anonymous November/December 2019 Please, feel free to print and take to your meetings!! |
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Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals, who through shared experience, strength and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating. We welcome everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. There are no dues or fees foo members; we are self-supporting through our own contributions, neither soliciting nor accepting outside donations. OA is not affiliated with any public or private organization, political movement, ideology or religious doctrine; we take no position on outside issues.
Our primary purpose is to abstain from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors and to carry the message of recovery through the Twelve Steps of OA to those who still suffer. |
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At the end of the year, the terms of many of our trusted servants in intergroup will conclude. Intergroup handles most of the behind-the-scenes business in the Central Ohio region for OA -- workshops, conventions and other details to keep our recovery organization running. We seek the following servants for the following positions for terms beginning Jan. 1. If interested, please contact Theresa M., whose contact information is at the end of the newsletter. - Chair: (Two-year term.) A member of the intergroup executive board who presides over intergroup meetings – including establishing their agendas -- communicates with the region board members, acts as an ex-officio when necessary, can speak on behalf of the intergroup in emergencies and is a point of contact and reference for intergroup activities, issues or concerns.
- Vice chair: (Two-year term.) A member of the intergroup executive board who serves as the chair when that person is absent, maintains a current meeting list and provides it to the "Transformations" editor, chairs the audit committee that reviews the intergroup banking account at the end of each year.
- Secretary: (Two-year term.) A member of the intergroup executive board who keeps and distributes the minutes from intergroup meetings, as well as keeps old reports on file for annual submission to the archive, sends out advance meeting notices, maintains a history of elections and dates of service.
- Treasurer: (Two-year term.) A board member who deposits intergroup funds and pays obligations, keeps the books, keeps vouchers of disbursements and donations and provides a monthly treasury report to the intergroup.
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- Region 5 Representative:A member of the intergroup executive board, the rep travels to Region 5 Assembly meetings twice a year and participates in a region conference call once a year that address behind-the-scenes OA business of an area of groups and intergroups in Ohio and five nearby states, plus Southwestern Ontario. The rep then reports the business to our intergroup.
Qualifications to be a member of the intergroup executive board: - Actively promote the 12 steps, 12 traditions and 12 concepts.
- All officers will serve two-year terms, except the World Service Business Conference Delegate(s) who serve for 2.5 years.
- If an officer misses two consecutive meetings without notifying the chair of the reason for such absences, he or she will be automatically terminated and notified in writing of the termination.
- Should maintain abstinence and attend OA meetings regularly.
- It is suggested that officers have one year of physical, emotional and spiritual recovery.
Newsletter co-editor: Laura H. seeks a co-editor to share in newsletter service. "Transformations" comes out six times a year." There is no abstinence requirement. We're using an intuitive, user-friendly, web-based layout that doesn't require HTML knowledge. Must be able to attend monthly intergroup meetings, where we get most of the news items for the newsletter. Must enjoy writing, editing and layout and design. If interested, please email laurainrecovery@yahoo.com. |
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Columbus workshop An OA Traditions workshop, with a special focus on using the tools during the holidays, is being planned for Oct. 19, 2019. Specific details are still being worked out. When we get those nailed down, we will announce them at meetings. |
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Newsletter sponsorship list For recovery to flourish in Central Ohio, Intergroup wants to make it easier for members to find sponsors. The sponsor-sponsee relationship is mutually beneficial: Sponsees have a guide to working the steps and navigating a new life in recovery; the sponsor's program is reinforced and seen with a new perspective. The following OA members are available to sponsor: - Barb W. (740) 452-5350
- Theresa M. (614) 738-7559 (Available)
- Betsy D. (614) 282-9920
- Beth L. (614) 477-0295 (Please call in the evening.)
- Nancy P. (216) 233-2530 (Able to get someone started.)
- Dana G. (614) 886-0990
Add or remove your name on the list by contacting laurainrecovery@yahoo.com. |
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Submissions from fellows Describe something in program you've been unwilling to do -- maybe it's getting a sponsor, maybe it's working the steps or do service or greet newcomers at meetings. Anything that is a block to recovery. And make a commitment to change. What is something you do to that can change this? |
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| | Some days I wake up ready to swear off the food. And sometimes I can even go about my day in proper recovery — prayer, meditation, handing trials over to a Source Beyond than My Own Consciousness, texting fellows and my sponsor, meetings, step work. Other days, I cannot even remotely desire recovery. I want to stuff my feelings with the food. I shortsightedly believe the pleasure I derive from the food exceeds any recovery I may obtain. The last time I was abstinent, life became incredibly scary and difficult. I may have taken on too many new life changes alongside the recovery, thinking I could handle it with my new recovery and newish Higher Power, who I of course felt abandoned me when I became overwhelmed and discouraged. Sadly, I returned to my best frenemy — the food — because I felt more comfort being miserable in the food than terrified in the unknown of recovery. It’s been hell trying to claw back into a life of recovery and there are times I feel such despair I've wanted to leave program. It’s rather easy to find excuses — Person A is nuts, Person B is a bully, I don’t even believe in God half the time. But OA has been the only thing that’s ever worked for me. And as a child during the 90s, I was raised in front of the television screen, watching Oprah Winfrey preach that no change — of any kind — is permanent unless it’s experienced at the soul level. Damn it, I guess I need to be in OA. These days, I’m trying to focus on two areas — willingness and action. In the Big Book (page 317,) a writer in the personal stories section says: "If asked what the two most important things in recovery are, I would have to say willingness and action. I was willing to believe that A.A. was telling me the truth. I wanted to believe it was true in a way I cannot relate in words. I wanted this thing to work. Then I began to take the course of action as prescribed.” I relate to her entire story in many ways, and in that paragraph, her desperation comes out. I have had moments of that desperation, too. I have started a morning routine to kick start my willingness and action. I’ve written it down for reference and it’s kind of fun to do and think about. I begin with the words that one of our Columbus fellows says at every meeting she attends: “Abstinence is the most important thing in my life, without exception.” I added a second part: “Without it, everything else falls apart.” Then I read either from “A Commitment to Abstinence” or “Just for Today” pamphlets, trying to really zero in on a different section each day. I then do mental Steps 1 and 2. I force myself to think of an example of my food/ life being powerless and unmanageable; then I work to conjure the essence of a Higher Power Beyond My Consciousness. When I do my 3rd Step — I say I’m turning my will —which are my thoughts — and my life — which are my actions and food — to a Source Beyond My Own Consciousness. I describe my red-light food categories and say they’re “a self-defeating behavior: self-defeating emotionally, spiritually and physically.” I read something that my OA sponsor sent that’s from another fellowship but applies nicely and I say, “All I have is today. ODAT. Trust for today. Compulsive people such as myself crave certainty, reaching for food is part of that. Trust is an opposite action.” I recite something I’ve heard another Columbus fellow say in meetings (plus it comes up in our literature.) “I know myself well enough to know if I eat one bite, I won’t stop — or I’ll think about it later.” I recite a list of non-spiritual reasons that abstinence is good — such as reducing arthritic pain and a desire to wear cute clothes. Then I read from page 317, plus sprinkle in some prayers and thoughts about other things in my life that dominate by psyche. I hope and pray this works and abstinence finally takes root. -Laura H. | | |
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| | Next suggested topics: Suggested topics for the November/December edition: -Circling back to the recent Sponsorship Workshop, do I have any thoughts or experiences on sponsorship I'd like to share? -How am I working my program during the holidays? We want more voices in "Transformations!" We've decided that if you feel moved to write about a different topic than the ones we've suggested, we will publish it -- as long as it's within the OA traditions. Submit to laurainrecovery@yahoo.com. Deadline: Oct. 10. Why I want to be abstinent - To be thin and healthy
- Freedom from food obsession
- Freedom from self-loathing
- Freedom from guilt and shame around food
- Freedom from my thighs rubbing together
- Freedom from being overheated due to my weight
- So I don't feel crazy
- So my body feels clean and light
- So I don't want to hide and feel embarrassed
- So I can be more enthusiastic about life
- So I can be more present to the people I love
- To enjoy good health
- To reduce inflammation
- Increased mobility
- Less joint damage
- Until I am I can't figure out what I am running away from
- Clarity about what is going on inside me
- Feelings of confidence
- Feel more balanced
- Less toxins circulating around in my body
- More room for my organs
- Wake up feeling fresh and light
- Not have self-disappointment overshadow my life
- Be better able to participate in physical activities (Scuba diving, hiking, kayaking)
- I have so much more energy
- My mood is so much better
- Reduced risk of DM, stroke, cancer, heart attack
- So I won’t burden my kids w/ caregiving for me
- Supports my commitment to do no harm to animals
- Supports making the planet a healthier place for our children
- So my clothes are comfortable
- So I have more clothing choices
Why I don't want to eat compulsively - It never tastes as good as I think it will.
- I always regret it.
- I feel gross.
- I'm scared of getting caught in the act.
- I feel like puking in the a.m.
-Cathy B. | | |
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The 12 Steps - We admitted we were powerless over food — that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive overeaters and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
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Intergroup Meetings OA members are welcome to attend the intergroup’s monthly meetings in person or on the telephone, regardless of whether they hold an official service position on IG. At meetings we discuss business pertaining to the fellowship. All meetings begin at 11 a.m., generally on the fourth Saturday of each month. Months that include holidays may affect the date, in which Intergroup meets on the 3rd Saturday of that month. Please reach out to your Intergroup representative with questions. Location: Scarlet City Church, aka North Community Lutheran Church, 114 Morse Road, Columbus. There is a new automated lock system, for the building that ALL and ANY OA members can use to gain access. At this time, the only OA meeting being held at Scarlet City is Intergoup, however they are open to helping 12-step communities. If you or your group would like to get information on securing a room in the church, please reach out to Janelle Jackson @ janelle@scarletcitychurch.org. To gain access to the building, please reach out to Theresa M and she will give you the code. If you would like to attend Intergroup but you cannot do so in person, please dial-in: Telephone dial-in: (712) 775-7031 Access Code: 182225 Leader Code: 9075 Upcoming meeting schedule: - Sept. 28
- October's Intergroup meeting will be cancelled. We will combine October and November's meetings
- Nov - 11/2/2019
- Dec - 12/7/2019
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Sunday 4 p.m. St Luke’s Methodist, 1150 W. 5th Ave., Grandview, back entrance, basement. Contact: Beth L. (614) 477-0295 Monday 9:30 a.m., Northwest Christian Church,1340 Fishinger Rd., Upper Arlington, Big Book meeting, Big Book, ADA accessible. Contact: Edna: 614-451-4707 5:30 p.m., Grace Fellowship Church, 365 Straub Rd. E. Back Bldg., Mansfield. Contact: Lynn 419-522-9554 5:30 pm, Salvation Army Building, 221 Dewey Ave., Cambridge. ADA accessible. Contact: Ester 740-432-3338 6 p.m, Lutheran Student Center, 69 Mill St., front door, Athens. Newcomers meeting. Contact: Janet P 740-592-4284 6:30 p.m., St Luke’s Methodist, 1150 W. 5th Ave., Grandview, back entrance, basement. Twelve-step study. Contact: Melissa 614-588-4230 7 p.m., Faith Covenant Church, 3607 Dempsey Rd., Westerville, ADA accessible. Contact: Linda P 216-392-2644 Tuesday 6 p.m., Lutheran Student Center, 69 Mill St., front door, Athens. Lit study, speaker. Contact Steph 740-698-3404 Stangsteph5636@yahoo.com Grove City has disbanded. |
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Wednesday 7 p.m., Overbrook Presbyterian Church, 4131 N. High St., Columbus. ADA accessible. Contact: Paul W 614-432-2273. 7 p.m., St. Paul’s Catholic Church, parish office, 369 N. State St. (Rt. 3), Room 1, downstairs, Westerville. Contact: Julie M; 614-634-8320. Thursday 9:30 a.m., Northwest Christian Church, 1340 Fishinger Rd., Upper Arlington, ADA accessible. Contact: Lou W. 614-777-8014 Friday 12:10 p.m., Old Trinity Lutheran Church, fellowship hall, 404 S Third St Corner of Fulton & Third, Columbus. Jen 614-286-4292 Saturday 9:30 a.m., Ascension Lutheran Church, 1479 Morse Rd, Columbus. Contact: Judy 253-503-9144. 9:30 a.m., St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2151 Dorset Rd., Second floor, Upper Arlington. Contact: Martha 614-581-8381 9:30 a.m., Lutheran Student Center, 69 Mill St., front door, Athens. Contact: Carol 740-818-6418 10:30 a.m., Brighton Presbyterian Church, 771 Lexington Ave., Zanesville, Enter through the back door; the meeting is upstairs. ADA accessible. Contact: Ann K. 740-814-5976 Visit www.centralohiooa.org for details such as meeting topic, and OA.org for phone and online meeting information. |
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Committees: Public Information/ Professional Outreach - open Phone: Mary M. 614-546-8160. Media: Sarah T. 614-961-0565. Transformations: Laura H. 801-309-1021, laurainrecovery@yahoo.com Special Events: Robbin 614-947-9147, Robbin@zolozen.com |
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All photography used in this newsletter obtained from unsplash.com or shot by OA fellows. |
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