Stormy weather kept members of the Obadiah Homemaker Volunteers from meeting in July. But everyone came out for the club’s muggy August affair: the annual family picnic night, which is traditionally an evening of fun, food and fellowship with family and friends.

The evening began with devotion by club president Elaine Herber, who presented “Perfect Love” from a daily devotion publication. Written by Michael A. MacDonald of North Carolina, the selection’s Bible verse was 1John 4:18: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” NRSV

“When I was a child, my family did not attend church regularly,” Herber read. “My primary exposure to preaching was through radio sermons that were mostly about fearing God’s condemnation. I started to attend church at age 12 and I was relieved to discover that the preaching there was much different. The focus was on God’s love for us and our love for others. But a part of me worried that our church might be watering down the Bible’s message.”

Herbert continued: “Then one day I came across today’s quoted verse. I was overjoyed to discover that God does not want us to live in fear of condemnation. Such fearful love is incomplete, immature, imperfect. The loving message I heard at church is true.

“I am now a pastor, and I encourage my church members not to fear the condemnation of God or of other people who claim we are not true Christians because our beliefs and practices differ from theirs. Paul’s message to the Romans in today’s reading (Romans 8:31-39) reminds us ‘It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn?“ As followers of Christ, we can know that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Thanks be to God!”

Herber concluded her devotional presentation with a request for prayer. Judy Harwell volunteered and also asked for God’s blessings on the prepared food.

Club member Rae Clarke presented the program for the meeting, speaking about expiration dates that should not be ignored in the foods. Clarke’s information was taken from one of the numerous books she owns on food safety due to her days as food service worker.

Clarke’s presentation included the following tips:

• Jarred condiments: Spreads and sauces may seem to last forever, but jarred condiments tend to have significant exposure to bacteria putting you at risk of food poisoning. Bacteria can start as soon as you open a jar, especially if there’s cross contamination. 

When we make sandwiches, for example, we dip the knife into the spread container, wipe it onto the sandwich, and then dip it back into the container. By doing this, you’re putting some bacteria back into the container. Also, if there is water floating on top or discoloration, get rid of the whole jar.

• Egg substitutes: Whole raw eggs can stay in the fridge for 3 to 5 weeks, but their substitutes have shorter lives. An egg substitute will last about 10 days after you buy it or 3 to 5 days after you open the carton, depending on the expiration date. Keep it any longer and you run the risk of making yourself sick.

• Soft cheeses: Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Gouda, have less moisture for bacteria to thrive in, so they can last 2 to 4 months in the fridge if properly stored. But softer cheeses such as ricotta, cream cheese, feta, Brie, and goat cheese, spoil faster. They will last 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening but toss them sooner if you see signs of spoilage such as blue-green mold, which could make you sick.

• Deli meats: Those ham and turkey slices will last 3-5 days after you buy them at the deli counter or the minute you crack the seal of an airtight package. So buy only what you will eat in 3-4 days. Deli meat causes the bacteria Listeria. This thrives in cold environments so even your fridge won’t offer total protection. Just remember that a little sliminess or a funky smell is a good sign it needs to go.

Clarke concluded by suggesting members be aware of the expiration or use by dates on the foods they purchase.

The club’s July birthdays were Robin Doerner, Elouise Ethridge, Elaine Herber and Virginia White.

Many prayer needs were mentioned. Stacy Davis, the club’s secretary, is having heart issues; member Nancy Gilbertson, is not yet cancer-free, but is doing better with her treatments; member Judy Harwell’s mother is not doing well, and well known and loved members of the community at large, Rod and Mitt Hitt are not doing well. Members were asked to keep these folks in prayers. (Since the meeting, Rod Hitt passed away)

As the first Monday in September is Labor Day, OHV will follow its longstanding tradition of moving the September meeting to the second Monday. Ladies in the community are always invited to join.

The meeting was adjourned with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Judy Harwell.

•Submitted by Cathy Clearman, reporter.