"Love & Service": Ignite the Flame of Recovery Through Service

Dear Alumni and Friends of The Retreat,

Are you seeking to deepen your connection to your recovery journey? Do you wish to experience the transformative power of selflessness and compassion? Look no further - we invite you to embrace the incredible benefits of service in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and join us in spreading the light of recovery in our community.

At The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota, we understand that service work is not just a way to give back; it is a vital component of maintaining our own sobriety and personal growth. By engaging in various forms of service, we not only help others on their path to recovery but also nurture our own spiritual well-being.

Why is service work so crucial to our recovery? It is through acts of service that we tru-ly embody the principles of AA and put them into action. By extending our hand to those in need, we reinforce our commitment to sobriety, humility, and selflessness. Service work allows us to experience the joy of helping others, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment that strengthens our resolve to stay on the path of recovery.

The Big Book states that "practical experience shows that nothing will so much ensure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics" (Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, p. 89). Service can take various forms, such as chairing meetings, speaking at meetings, sponsoring others, or volunteering for service positions within AA groups or committees.

The Big Book also discusses the concept of the "Twelve Step Call," which involves one alcoholic reaching out to another who is still suffering. It encourages individuals in re-covery to actively seek out and help those who are struggling with alcoholism. The book states, "Both you and the new man/woman must walk day by day in the path of spiritual progress. If you persist, remarkable things will happen" (Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, p. 100).

1.    Extend a Helping Hand: Engage in Twelve Step calls, reaching out to those who are struggling or new to the program. Your experience, strength, and hope can be a guiding light for those who are seeking support.
2.    Be a Trusted Servant: Consider taking on a trusted servant role within your home group. Whether it's chairing meetings, organizing events, or mentoring newcomers, your involvement will create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all.
3.    Become an AA Sponsor: By taking on the role of a sponsor, you can play a pivotal role in guiding individuals on their path to sobriety and experience the transformative power of helping others. Sponsoring someone in AA is not just about giving; it's a two-way street. By guiding others, you reinforce your own commitment to sobriety and deepen your understanding of the Twelve Steps. Witnessing the growth and transformation of your sponsee can be a powerful reminder of the progress you've made in your own recovery journey. When you become an AA Sponsor, you con-tribute to a community of support and compassion. By helping one person at a time, you become part of a larger movement, spreading hope and healing to individuals and families affected by addiction. Your influence can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to embrace the power of recovery.
4.    Become involved in The Retreat’s Alumni & Friends Association: Participate in a variety of Retreat Alumni activities, e.g., Sober Softball, Pickleball, Sober Climbing Club, Hockey, Sailing, Recovery Adventure Trips, Breakfast Club, Women in Re-covery and many more activities that promote connection to our vibrant community of support. 
5.    Volunteer in Your Community: Look beyond the rooms of AA and explore oppor-tunities to serve in your local community. Whether it's supporting a local charity, as-sisting at a homeless shelter, or participating in service projects, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

By engaging in service work, you not only enhance your own recovery but also contrib-ute to the collective strength of our AA community. Together, we can inspire and uplift one another, creating a ripple effect of hope and healing that extends far beyond our individual journeys.

So, if you're ready to take your recovery to new heights, we urge you to embrace the power of service. Join us at The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota, as we come together to support one another, lend a helping hand, and ignite the flame of recovery in our lives and the lives of others.

Remember, love and service are at the core of AA and The Retreat. Let us embrace this call to action and watch as our own light of recovery burns a little brighter.

In service and fellowship,

The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota.