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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