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Holiday Alkathons

A Danish Christmas tree illuminated with burni...

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For those who are unfamiliar with the term “Alkathon,” it refers to a 24 hour event that takes place during the holidays of either Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s eve.  Other people and fellowships may offer something similar (or the same) for holidays not mentioned.  For the sake of this post, I shall confine it to the aforementioned holidays and the name of “Alkathon.” 

Alkathons are usually sponsored by a group or district in a particular area and any donations are used for the event and excess money is given to the district or group that sponsors it.  They are generally made up of continuous meetings and offer food and beverage at no charge to those who show up.  It is a safe place to find fellowship during what can often be a troubling time in the lives of sober people – especially those who are new and/or facing marital, family, health or employment problems.

A key component of an Alkathon, aside from continuous meetings and fellowship, is food.  Actually, food may be considered part of the component of fellowship.  Often associated with socializing, sharing a meal is an integral part of fellowship and expresses a commonality of interest.  Not only that, but trying different things is fun!  Some food may be provided by either the committee’s budget (contributions from groups) or via a “potluck” mechanism.  However it happens, It is important that food and beverages be provided. 

Wherever you live, you can probably find some sort of Alkathon or similar event going on by checking out your fellowship’s district or area meetings and also through announcements at meetings.  If there aren’t any, why not start one?  Such things are so vital to the spiritual health of the membership in general at difficult times of the year.

In my district, planning meetings will be starting in September and held at the church school cafeteria where the event is held every year.  Look for fliers after the next district meeting.

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