The official name of the group is "The

Olive Branch," but most folks at Sharpsburg

Baptist Church call them "the Olive Branch ladies."

Their mission is varied, but always fulfilling, says the group's founder, Eleanor

Bridges. Most recently, they spent the summer

canning jams, jellies and preserves to sell at the

Old Towne Sharpsburg Fall Festival. Then they use the proceeds for all kinds of worthy

causes, Bridges says.

The group was started three years ago by women at Sharpsburg Baptist who wanted

an outlet for ministry beyond the traditional "circle" concept, Bridges said. She added

that the group was named for the late Olive

Bridges Cole, a prominent church member who was well known for her charitable work in

the community, especially with shut-ins and people who were ill.

"We also thought it was appropriate, since there's a Biblical meaning in an 'olive

branch' too," Bridges noted.

Their various projects may include local things like helping schools provide health

and hygiene supplies to students who can't afford them, or raising money to renovate the

church kitchen. They also participate in

nationally-known ministries such as Franklin

Graham's "shoebox Christmas" project. The son of

the noted evangelist Billy Graham, Franklin

started Samaritan's Purse, an organization which

ministers around the world, including collecting shoeboxes with personal care items, toys

and small clothing for children at Christmas. Bridges says The Olive Branch has a lot of

funand faith gatherings, she said.

"You know, peeling peaches is work, but I don't know when in my adult life I've had

as much fun as I did this summer when we did peaches. When you can laugh with your

friends, share your faith, and be doing good for

somebody at the same time, it's just really

great," she said.

Anyone interested in The Olive Branch's work can call Bridges at 770-253-4934.

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