Page 41 of the Guide to Local Service shows the following information in it's sample group meeting format.
Leader: Select people before the meeting to read one or more of the following short pieces. These readings can be found in our White Booklet, the Basic Text, IP No. 1, or the group reading cards. a) Who Is an Addict? b) What Is the NA Program? c) Why Are We Here? d) How it Works e) The Twelve Traditions f) Just for Today g) We Do Recover
The problem I'm facing is that my new home group thinks the phrase 'one or more' gives us permission to edit out any or all of the suggested readings. Several members have even said our Area supports this understanding. I have not been able to talk to anyone at our Area Service about this, even though I've reached out numerous times for clarification. I came to NA before the rooms were full of enough people to have different individuals read -- and that is my understanding of the 'one or more' clause, that if there are not at least seven attendees, then one or more people at the meeting will end up reading more than one. Has anyone else encountered this? Can anyone help me get a determination of just how this section can be interpreted? I can't imagine World Service suggesting we can eliminate any of the suggested readings, and it's really making my brain hurt. We only have seven group members and the average clean time is 18 months. I really need help and guidance with this one. Anyone?
My understanding is your understanding. If my memory serves me correctly A through F have been read at every NA meeting of any kind I've attended (small even 2 people even 1 just me!, medium, large, 1,000s at Convention Speaker Meetings etc.) since I first arrived before there was even a Basic Text, just Little White Book and a few IPs. IRRC F & G didn't exist back then and came later and added to Meeting readings.
The Foundation of NA Recovery is the foundation of NA Recovery. Pick & choice at your own Peril!
Celebrating 36 years of One Day At A Time Clean by the Grace of God through the Power of NA (all of it not just parts of it) tomorrow.
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Work the Steps or Die MF. (My Friend :) Clean One Day At a Time by The Grace of God through The Power of NA
thanks guys. any idea how I can find out for sure what the intent behind the suggestion indicates? I'm like you, Mike M, pick & choose was and is still not optional. Long time since I've heard 'work the steps or die.' Thanks for the reminder.
