A N N U A L S U B S C R I P T I O N : $ 5 F O R 1 2 M O N T H L Y I S S U E S . M a i l e d S u b s c r i p t i o n s : C o n t a c t C e n t r a l O f f i c e f o r p r i c e .

( A L S O A V A I L A B L E V I A E M A I L F O R N O C H A R G E , s i g n u p o n p a g e 2 )

S U N R I S E

T H E S A S K A T O O N & D I S T R I C T A A N E W S L E T T E R

January 2021 Volume 67, Issue 1

All quotations from AA and AA Grapevine literature are printed with consent from A. A. World Services, Inc. and AA Grapevine.

Central Office Hours: Mon to Fri 8:00—1:00 PM & 1:30-4:30 PM (Closed on statutory holidays). Published by Saskatoon & District Central Office, 515—245 3rd Avenue South, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M4

Email: aasakatoon@sasktel.net Website: aasaskatoon.org Phone: (306) 665-6727

My name is Vance and I am an alcoholic.

I am the new newsletter Trustee, and my reign will be for the next 24 months.

This is the first newsletter that has me in command, and I am hoping to do at least half as good as Nicole. Thank You Nicole for your most excellent service to the fellowship.

January - the first month, so the first step.

Step 1 “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable” (Big Book pg. 59)

How did we come to be sober before and after the COVID era?

I have not been sober for an extremely long time compared to some others, but I think I came into the fel-lowship in a similar way to most of you.

I had had enough, and was in an awfully bad place. I was finished with my own shit and was ready to end it all. In a moment of clarity, I knew I did not want things to end but I also did not want to continue the way things were going. I reached out to a good friend that had found the fellowship, and he talked to me for well over an hour making sure I was OK, and making me promise to go to a meeting asap. Thanks again Shannon.

2 days later I was attending the Westside meeting at St. Stephen’s church. I am sure that you all understand the feeling of your first meeting – scared, ashamed, nervous well really terrified! When I walked through the doors, I was greeted by a way too happy person who showed me where the coffee was, and introduced me to a few “old guys”. I let it out that I was at my first meeting. They were so happy to have me there and intro-duced me to everyone – a bit overwhelming to say the least. Once the meeting started I thought I was safe; but NO WAY of course they switched from what ever step they were on to talk to me about step 1, 2, 3. Eve-ryone shared their storey directly to me but I never felt or saw any judgement or disgust in any of the people there. I have no idea what was said in that meeting, but I know I felt welcomed and cared for.

The way I stayed sober is with meetings, meetings after the meetings, and coffee after the meeting after the meeting. Completely submersed into the fellowship! I have tried to continue these habits but they have become Zoom meetings and visiting after the meeting as well as we can.

There is a newer member who attends the Toon Town Connection Zoom meetings, and is also in a Big Book study that I also take part in. After speaking with her about her experience, the following is what she wrote for me and it is to perfect to not share in its totality.

Yours in sobriety,

Vance

S U N R I S E . . . T H E S A S K A T O O N & D I S T R I C T A . A . J a n u a r y 2 0 2 1 N E W S L E T T E R Page 2

Service Meetings

Central Office Committee:

Monday January 11th, 2021

Zoom Meeting ID: 810 4723 5898

Password: CentralO

6:30 PM

Intergroup Meeting:

Wednesday, January 13th, 2021

Zoom Meeting ID: 841 6594 2254

Password: Intergroup

6:30 PM

Round Up Committee Meeting:

Wednesday, November 4th, 2020

Zoom Meeting ID: 827 7614 7968

Password: Roundup

6:30 PM

Newsletter Submission Deadline: 20th of the Month for entr ies in the next months newsletter.

GSR Meetings

District 8: 1st Wednesday January 6th, 2021 Zoom Meeting ID: 841 336 5102

Password: 123456

7:00 PM

District 19: 2nd Wednesday January 13th, 2021 7:00 PM

District 20: 2nd Wednesday January 13th, 2021 7:00 PM

District 21: 3rd Wednesday January 20th, 2021 Zoom Meeting ID: 821 8378 4689

Password: District21

6:30 PM

NEWSLETTER SIGN UP Provide your email address to Central Office for a BCC delivery of the Newsletter to your mailbox! aasaskatoon@sasktel.net or 306-665-6727

Page 3

District 8 Update

District 8 has set up an email address for any members who would like to send in a contribution!

DistrictAA477@gmail.com

Technology has evolved throughout the generations, so much so phone calls can be made from a wristwatch nowadays. Real Spy Kids kind of stuff.

I am a millennial and am living in the era of VCR's to Netflix, Dial telephones to Facetime and now one-on-one lunch dates to Virtual one-on-ones.

Nothing can take away from the personal connection of being face to face with someone but during a global pandemic the human race has had to adapt.

This was the most important thing I have ever done, adapt, adapt to the fact a remedy could be in my reach all with a click of a mouse.

I logged into my first ever AA Zoom meeting because I was suffering, and my drinking was completely and utterly unmanageable. The first 2 meetings took place back in July of this year. I found the meetings easy, convenient, and anonymous.

But it wasn't until 2 months later I was at the brinks of losing it all and made the decision to get so-ber.

On a Monday afternoon in September, I logged onto the KISS Zoom meeting. I was sad, I was sick and worst of all I was hopeless. I had no idea how I was going to do this 'sober' thing.

After that zoom call, amazingly I was given the answer, 'Keep Coming Back' -- and I also felt comfort in knowing I wasn't alone. I knew I needed to start somewhere, cleaning up the mess I had left in my wrath-- and I found it through 21st century technology.

My days became centered around the evening 8 o'clock virtual AA meetings. I made sure I was a small square on a computer screen amongst other alcoholics. I started making connections and attending in-person meetings with people I solely met online. I also acquired a sponsor through Zoom, and I can honestly say I have never met my sponsor in real life and would be unable to describe any physical features as this is someone who does not use the camera option. Imagine that, I was able to develop a sponsor/ sponsee relationship, with no in the flesh meeting, only basing my decision to choose this person on the program they spoke of.

Because of Zoom I really have no excuses not to attend an AA meeting, if I'm under the weather or if I have an evening skin routine to uphold, mud mask and all, I can still hop on a meeting.

I got sober on Zoom. I am forever grateful I had this option to help me get my foot in the door. The truth is without the Zoom meetings the hopelessness that I felt would have continued to keep me in active alcohol addiction, and I don't want to entertain the thought of how much worse it could have got.

I am proud to say I am coming up on 90 days sober and almost 90 meetings. I look forward to contin-uing this journey, whether it be plugging in through the interweb, or connecting through personal interactions, and who knows maybe one day I will meet my sponsor too!

Tatum

S U N R I S E . . . T H E S A S K A T O O N & D I S T R I C T A . A . J a n u a r y 2 0 2 1 N E W S L E T T E R

Page 4

The Toon Town Connection

Id: 374 983 3779 Password: 123456

Meetings Daily at 8PM CST

"Sunrise" publishes articles that reflect the full diversity of experience and opinion found within the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. In determining content, the editor relies on the principles of the Twelve Traditions. "Sunrise" values the shared experience of individual AA members working the AA program and applying the princi-ples of the Twelve Steps. Seeking neither to gloss over difficult issues nor to present such issues in a harmful or contentious manner, ""Sunrise" tries to embody the widest possible view of the AA Fellowship. The editor of ""Sunrise" reserves the right to accept or reject material for publication, based on the AA traditions. (We note that this policy is consistent with that of the AA Grapevine.) Articles are not intended to be statements of AA policy, nor does publication of any article constitute endorsement by either Alcoholics Anonymous or Saskatoon Area Intergroup. Submissions are always welcome.

EDITOR'S STATEMENT

THE CENTRAL OFFICE HOURS

8:00AM-1:00PM & 1:30PM-4:30PM

MONDAY TO FRIDAY.

Telephone Answering Service

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

On September 1st a new way of answering 12 step calls in Saskatoon was launched. Thanks to the help of Bob S., Matt D., Kiersten K., and Andrew D.

When Central Office is closed for the day and weekend; when someone reaches out for help, the hand of AA is right there. This changes from the old system where a call center took that initial call. Now, a member of the fellowship will be there to answer the call and work their 12th Step.

The volunteer list has been recently updated but look out for more information coming on how to get involved. There will be a Zoom workshop in the near future with regards to how it works. As well, we are looking at providing a workshop on “How to do a 12th Step Call.” Remember we are not alone. We are very excited for these changes, not only does this give us more service work to be available, but this also provides approximately $400/mo in savings to the Saskatoon Inter-group.

Please contact Central office at aasasaktoon@sasktel.net to get involved and someone from the committee will get in con-tact with you.

Sincerely,

Interim Trustee: Stefan L.

S U N R I S E . . . T H E S A S K A T O O N & D I S T R I C T A . A . J a n u a r y 2 0 2 1 N E W S L E T T E R

Group of the Month

Page 5

AA MILESTONES

Send your groups milestones to

aasakatoon@sasktel.net

For announcements in the February newsletter, please have submission in by January 20th.

SHAMROCK GROUP

Rob L. . January 26/17 4 Years

2021 Round Up!

Hi I'm Lindy, and I'm an alcoholic. I am writing today as the 2021 Round Up Chair and I'm pleased to present the Round Up poster for 2021. As a committee we are very ex-cited for the upcoming Round Up. There will be speakers, interlude meetings, and a tour of Dr. Bob's house in Akron, Ohio. We are learning more and more about virtual meetings and how as a committee we can bring a great experience to all who attend. A quick reminder that to receive the meeting information please e-mail: saskatoonaaroundup@gmail.com We are asking all to register to ensure a safe and hopefully incident free Round Up to all.

In love and service,

Lindy G.

For the most up to date meeting list for Saskatoon please visit

aasaskatoon.org

A huge thank you Celine for doing such a great job keeping us all informed!!

FLORAL

Carl C Jan 3/1984 37 Years

Tim F Jan 8/1988 33 Years

Janice F Jan 9/2012 9 Years

Dawn D Jan 26/2012 9 Years

Brian V Jan 17/2016 5 Years

Virtual Cake - Tuesday January 5th

Westside Jim T Jan 1/1977 44 Years

Trista C Jan 3 /2019 2 Years

Nicole C Jan 7 /2017 4 Years

Cole C Jan 10 /2019 2 Years

John S Jan 13 /1971 50 Years

Celebration - Wed. Feb. 3rd

Kleen AAir

Floyd H Jan 01/77 44 Years

Don C Jan 06/81 40 Years

S U N R I S E . . . T H E S A S K A T O O N & D I S T R I C T A . A . J a n u a r y 2 0 2 1 N E W S L E T T E R

If your group would like their Birthdays listed here please send an email to aasaskatoon@sasktel.net

Page 6 S U N R I S E . . . T H E S A S K A T O O N & D I S T R I C T A . A . J a n u a r y 2 0 2 1 N E W S L E T T E R

This poem was contributed By Barry from floral

The Length of Rope TAKE ME ...

What have you done with your day today?

Did you learn something new or just pass it away?

Did you help someone out or give some hope?

What did you do with the length of rope?

Did you call on the sick or a shut-in-gent?

Just think of the way your day was spent-

Did you smile or laugh or just sit and mope?

What did you do with your length of rope?

Did you stop and examine each day of the week?

Did you grumble and growl or be-mean-so-to-speak?

Were you cruel to someone and call him a dope?

What did you do with the length of rope?

The rope you ask as was mentioned above

Its the length of your life-

Do you treat it with LOVE ?

The rope we've been given measures ' bout 85

What have you done each day you're alive?

When you think of an inch as a year in your life-

Do you treat it with gentleness or fill it with strife?

At the end of the day as you wounder and hope

What have you done with your Length of Rope ??

(anonymous)

Page 7

Just a reminder, Central Office donations from our members are Tax Deductible.

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!

CENTRAL OFFICE & INTERGROUP COMMITTEE

CENTRAL OFFICE

NAME POSITION PHONE

Ron M Chair 306-222-6526

Co-Chair

Grant Z. Treasurer 306-292-6842

Nathan Y Alternate Treasurer 306-221-3190

Vance J Newsletter 306-227-9145

Devon G Literature 306-940-7595

Dru D. PI 306-270-4238

Mike B. CPC 306-202-6209

Kim T Corrections 306-203-0733

Kieran L. Institutions 306-222-3428

Stefan L. Telephone Answering Service 306-281-9443

(Interim Trustee)

INTERGROUP

NAME POSITION PHONE

Jackie M. Chair 306-229-0666

Co-chair

Treasurer

Chris R. Secretary 306-716-5176

Lindy E. Roundup Chair 306-280-6631

Rob G. Social Committee Chair 306-370-9721

Frank M. Document Retention Chair 306-931-3326

S U N R I S E . . . T H E S A S K A T O O N & D I S T R I C T A . A . J a n u a r y 2 0 2 1 N E W S L E T T E R

Page 8 S U N R I S E . . . T H E S A S K A T O O N & D I S T R I C T A . A . J a n u a r y 2 0 2 1 N E W S L E T T E R

Institutions Updates:

Welcome Group is moving to Zoom in 2021!

Starting January 2, 2021. Every Saturday at 8pm.

Zoom ID: 946 3346 8376

Password: Welcome

7th tradition can be made via e-transfer to aasaskatoon@sasktel.net

In the message please insert: “7th tradition – Welcome Group”

Welcome Group will rotate from group to group each month. This Zoom ID and password is only valid for January. New log in information will be distributed monthly. Please join the Central Office email updates list to stay up to date.

Calder

Weekly meetings of Calder Youth (Fridays – 7pm) and Adult (Tuesdays 8pm & Wednesdays 8pm) have gone virtual.

There are many open opportunities to serve at Calder in the first half of 2021.We are also looking for a group to chair Welcome Group for the month of February.

Dube & Larson House

AA meetings at Dube and Larson House continue to be cancelled and they do not have the capabilities to incorporate a virtual meeting.

Please reach out via email: AAinstitutions@outlook.com if you or a group would like to vol-unteer for any institutions service work

In love and service,

Kieran L

Institutions Trustee