District 47 has a unique opportunity when it comes to A.A. service.
Our District covers a large part of Northern Bucks County and is geographically located between two active Intergroups: South Eastern Pennsylvania Intergroup Association (SEPIA) and A.B.E. Intergroup in the Lehigh Valley.
District 47 has its own service committees and institutional commitments, but service does not have to stop at the District level. Members who are looking for additional ways to carry the A.A. message can also become involved with Intergroup service.
Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail.
Alcoholics Anonymous, Chapter 7, Working With Others, page 89
Two Intergroups, More Opportunities to Serve
Because of our location, District 47 members have access to service opportunities through both SEPIA and A.B.E. Intergroup.
You do not have to be an Intergroup Representative to become involved. Many Intergroup committees depend upon A.A. members who are simply willing to give some of their time and help carry the message.
This can be a great next step for someone who has begun doing service in their home group and is wondering, “What else can I do?”
SEPIA – South Eastern Pennsylvania Intergroup Association
District 47 is located in Bucks County, one of the five counties served by SEPIA.
Even though many District 47 meetings are geographically closer to the Lehigh Valley than Philadelphia, meeting information for District 47 groups should be kept current with SEPIA.
If your group changes its meeting location, day, time, format, accessibility information, or other meeting details, please submit the change to SEPIA:
Update or Add a Meeting:
SEPIA Meeting Status – Add or Update Request
Keeping this information current helps newcomers, visitors and other members find your meeting through Intergroup meeting listings and the Meeting Guide App.
SEPIA Bucks County Zone
The Bucks County Zone provides a local connection between Bucks County A.A. groups and SEPIA.
When: Second Monday of each month
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Good Shepherd Church
877 Street Road
Southampton, PA 18966
Groups are encouraged to have an Intergroup Representative, but members interested in learning more about Intergroup service can also become familiar with the Bucks County Zone and the opportunities available.
Volunteer With a SEPIA Committee
Much of the work of Intergroup happens through its committees and service teams. Many SEPIA committee meetings are available virtually, which makes participation possible without regularly traveling to Philadelphia or Southampton.
Service opportunities may include areas such as:
- Public Information
- Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC)
- Hospitals and Institutions
- Prison and Corrections service
- Prison Sponsorship
- Accessibility
- Archives
- Unity
- Web and Technology
- Other Intergroup service projects and activities
You don’t need to know everything about a committee before attending. Showing up, listening and asking “How can I help?” is often where service begins.
Meeting dates, times and Zoom information can be found here:
A.B.E. Intergroup – Lehigh Valley
For many District 47 members, particularly those in the northern part of Bucks County, the Lehigh Valley is also nearby. This gives our members another opportunity to become involved in carrying the A.A. message.
A.B.E. Intergroup coordinates A.A. service activities throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.
A.B.E. Intergroup Monthly Meeting
When: Fourth Tuesday of each month
Time: 7:30 PM
Where: Wesley United Methodist Church – Friendship Hall
2540 Center Street
Bethlehem, PA 18017
A.B.E. Intergroup Monthly Meeting & Information
Volunteer With A.B.E. Intergroup
A.B.E. also has a variety of service committees and volunteer opportunities.
These include:
- Telephone Hotline
- Hospitals and Institutions
- Public Information
- Unity
- Meeting Schedules
- Bookstore and Literature
- Other Intergroup activities and special service opportunities
Members interested in volunteering can attend an Intergroup meeting, contact a committee chair, or simply reach out and ask where help is currently needed.
A.B.E. Intergroup Contact & Committee Information
Your Home Group Can Be Part of Intergroup Too
Many District 47 groups currently do not have an active Intergroup Representative.
An Intergroup Representative (IGR) provides another connection between the home group and the wider A.A. Fellowship. The representative brings information about Intergroup services and opportunities back to the group while helping the group participate in services that no single A.A. group could easily provide by itself.
If your group does not currently have an Intergroup Representative, consider bringing the position up at your next group conscience or business meeting.
There Is Always More Service to Be Done
Service can begin with making coffee, setting up chairs or greeting someone at the door. It can continue through the home group, District, Area, Intergroup and many other opportunities to carry the message.
District 47’s geographic location gives our members something especially valuable: access to service opportunities in two active Intergroup communities.
Whether you volunteer for a committee, answer a telephone hotline, help with Public Information, carry the message into an institution, attend a Zone meeting, or become your group’s Intergroup Representative, the important part is getting involved.
There is always room for another willing A.A. member in service.