Alcoholics Anonymous
“The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking”
What is it?
The Blackheath Alcoholics Anonymous or AA first opened its doors at the Elsie Marshall Memorial Hall on the first Monday of June 1995. It is open to people who recognise that they have a problem with alcohol and wish to do something about it.
All meetings have a committee who are elected by the group and are responsible for running the meetings. At each session a member shares with the group their experience, strength and hope brought about by using the AA programme. Acknowledgement of a higher power, in most cases a loving God in their lives, is an amazing and powerful shared spiritual experience at meetings. Please do watch the short interview below on how AA helped Jeff.
In addition to the three weekly AA meetings there is also Narcotics Anonymous or NA. This is open to people who have experienced problems with drugs.
“There is never a reason to be alone with the problem. The first step is to come out from desolation and isolation and join others who have solved their problem on a daily basis.”
Where does it meet?
All the meetings below take place in the Elsie Marshall Memorial Hall in Vicarage Avenue off St John’s Park , 3 mins walk away from St John’s Church.
When does it meet?
Monday
‘How it works’ 19.45 – 21.30
A meeting based on the Twelve Step Recovery Programme, applying it in their lives in order to stay from alcohol.
Tuesday
‘Newcomers’ Meeting 20.00 – 21.30
A meeting for people who are setting out towards a sober life having recently made a decision to do something about their drinking.
Wednesday
‘Narcotics Anonymous’ 20.00 – 21.30
This is open to people who have experienced problems with drugs.
Friday
‘Step’ Meeting 20.00 – 21.30
Concentrating on the application of the Twelve Steps of Recovery programme in their lives, each week looking at a particular Step.
The Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
“It has been our experience that probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism but that God could and would if He were sought”
How can I join?
If interested in attending AA or NA please either come to one of the evenings above or click on the following link: Alcoholics Anonymous to find your local meeting.
Jeff’s Story
In this short interview, a member of our church called Jeff [who we have quoted above in red] tells how AA has helped him.
http://stjohnsblackheath.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/video/aa_small.flv
