Welcome to the Tuesday Night Step Group. This is an open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. We are glad you are all here – especially newcomers. In keeping with our singleness of purpose and our Third Tradition which states that “The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking,” we ask that all who participate confine their discussion to their problems with alcohol.
Please join me in a moment of silent meditation followed by the Serenity Prayer.
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Introduce yourself. No qualification is necessary.
- Is there anyone attending A.A. for the first time?
- Is there anyone attending this meeting for the first time?
The Preamble
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
Announce which Step or Tradition is to be discussed.
It is customary in this group for a member to explain the corresponding numbered Tradition (on a Step night) or Concept (on a Tradition night), and _______ will be doing that for us tonight. Allow 2-3 minutes to explain the Tradition or Concept.
It is also customary to read a portion of Chapter 5 “How It Works” from our basic text Alcoholics Anonymous. Tonight, I have asked _______ to read.
Pass the contribution basket.
In accordance with our Seventh Tradition which states that “every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions,” we will now pass the collection basket. While the basket is being passed, our group secretary will deliver the Secretary’s Report.
On a Tradition night: Ask those present to take turns reading the chapter of the Twelve and Twelve for the tradition that corresponds to the number of the month.
Provide 10-minute lead on the Step or Tradition being studied using the Big Book, Twelve and Twelve, and personal experience.
Lead open discussion by all. Close meeting no later than 5 minutes before the end.
Distribute chips, including for anniversaries since last meeting.
I’d like to thank:
- ______ for the Tradition/Concept,
- ______ for reading “How It Works,”
- ______ for doing the chips,
- ______ for setting up and making the coffee,
- ______ for greeting,
- and everyone for attending this meeting.
We close this meeting with the Lord’s Prayer.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven,
and give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who have trespassed against us,
and lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil,
for thine is the kingdom, the power,
and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen