Today is a special day in my life. My home group is 23 years old. This was the home for me to go to. They call them home groups because we are a family. Just like any other family with all its differences and personalities, it still provides the base for an alcoholic to touchdown. Our elder statesmen are the fathers of our group. They give wise counsel because of experience. Bill W. spoke of the heartbeat of the home group. The groups heart beats through its conscience- a mixture of sick and well under authority from a loving God. The prodigal son and elder son are present at the group. It is the Father who commands authority. It is the sick prodigal son that the Father welcomes first. When I am sick my members come to my rescue. I am grateful for that.
-- Edited by gonee on Wednesday 28th of April 2010 09:37:59 AM
Heya WWO, I was told that a "Home Group" is the one that you do service at.
I personally think that that's horse hockey, and I define my home group as the I feel most comfortable and welcome in, the one that I will only ever miss if I'm out of town or under general anasthesia. As it happens, that's also the one that I do service at. :)
In retrospect I think my home group should be any group where I can make my self be of service to. Many times I used to say the group where you are most comfortable at. But that is not true. I am comfortable at any group, if I choose to follow the traditions. Currently it is not possible for me to serve at my home group because I have relocated, so I chose another group close to my locality, where I offer to serve. I always ask my self one question. Am I a trusted servant? Then I must serve quietly. I stay away from controversy at all cost. I pray for my group. This brings harmony amongst the members. I hope this helps. But at all costs try to become a member of a group as soon as possible. Just offer to do some service. Trust me the group will welcome this. Also show up regularly so that you can build fellowship. You will see elder statesmen in the group.
I joined a home group the same way I joined AA. I declared myself a member.
Then I got active in service work in any way I could. I Might chair a meeting or sweep the floors and take the trash out. Did not matter as long as I was helping.
The concept of a home group seems to be dying out in AA. More and more AA members these days are shall we say free lancers for lack of a better term.
I don't know if that is good or bad, I'm not that smart.
Larry, ---------------- By saying we are alcoholics, we are constantly reminding ourselves that we are in recovery, not cured.
