Sunrise Serenity Group

 St. Paul's Church-Pleasant St.  Brunswick, ME
Monday through Friday 7 A.M.- 8 A.M.
Open Discussion Meeting
Daily Reflections/Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
 

     The Sunrise Serenity Group in Brunswick began in 1992.  Bob C. returned from Florida where he had been attending a daily 7 A.M. meeting.  Unable to find a morning meeting in the Brunswick area, he decided to start one.  Bob shared his idea with an AA friend Tom J., Tom was a member of St. Paul's Church on Pleasant St. in Brunswick and was able to secure a room at the church two days a week, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 7 A.M. This was the beginning of The  Sunrise Serenity Group.
 
     Scott G. saw a flyer on a bulletin board for the first meeting to be held February 14, 1992.  This was Scott’s first meeting as well as the groups first meeting.  Scott is still an active member of the group 12 + years later and celebrates his anniversary on the groups anniversary.
 
     The first ‘official’ business meeting was held in May of 1993.  The format, still used today, was established at this meeting. The meeting is now 5 days a week.  On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, the group reads from the book Daily Reflections, followed by a discussion and on Wednesday, reads a section from the first 164 pages of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous followed by a discussion.  The group currently holds business meetings on the third Friday of each month at 6 A.M.
 
     On February 14, 2002 a ten year anniversary was held with over 80 people attending. It was at this 10th anniversary that the information was collected for this writing.  Many of the original members of the group were on hand at the 10th anniversary to share their experience, strength and hope as well as many laughs from over the years.  One man told of his early sobriety when the treasury was lost.  Not knowing what to do, he came forward, told the truth that he had no idea what had happened to it and asked the group what to do.  The group decided to move on, 'Let Go And Let God', and from that day until today, honesty has been a key part of Sunrise Serenity.  That group Treasure is still sober and a regular attendee at Sunrise Serenity. (And still has no idea what happened to that money!) Most days you can find 30-50 people attending Sunrise Serenity, including many young members from a local High School in Bath. Each year the Sunrise Serenity Group holds a Spring breakfast.  It has drawn hundreds of people over the years and proven to be a popular springtime event.
 
     Throughout the years, many obstacles have helped shape the group.  Weather,  power outages, money, even access to the church has posed challenges.  Thanks to those that practiced the 12 steps and 12 traditions throughout the years, as well as those who remained Honest, Open minded and Willing, The Sunrise Serenity Group is a strong and important part of District 6 of Maine Area 28.