Mary and Martha Ministry: Following the Call to Service

“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” — Proverbs 31:20

Mary and Martha Ministry began two years ago as a Sunday night small group Bible study. What began as a group of women seeking spiritual community transformed over time into a mission to not only dig into the Word, but to practice empathy in action by serving others in our community.

In the Bible, Mary exemplifies contemplation, stillness, and intimate communion with God. Her sister, Martha, exemplifies service, hospitality, action, and love of neighbor. Although Mary and Martha certainly had very different personalities and went about things in different ways, both were true servants of God.

The idea for the clothing station was born in the middle of August of this year. The Ministry is now in its third month of handling clothing! At that time of its inception, the group decided to seek 501(c)(3) status. This enables them to do more good in the most cost-effective way. They were excited to receive confirmation of their status as an official nonprofit just last week.

In order to apply for the nonprofit status, Mary and Martha Ministry had to officially organize under a charter with officers and board members. Tara Hollis is President, Andrea Skelton is Vice President, and Jerry Hollis is Secretary/Treasurer. The board is composed of four other original members: RoiAnn Bryant, Bonnie Butler, Stacey Rich, and Jyl Stegall.

“Mary and Martha Ministry isn’t about one person,” said a member of the Ministry administration. “It’s about a group of Christian women coming together, each bringing different gifts, experiences, and a heart for serving others.

“Sometimes you’re a Mary, sometimes you’re a Martha, and sometimes you’re a little bit of both,” said another member of the Ministry administration. “There are currently over 30 members of our group, and everyone is involved in different ways. Some want to be involved in the clothing donations; others with the financial donations. Some just want to participate in our Bible studies, and that’s okay too.”

The Martha and Mary Ministry is currently accepting clothing donations and financial donations. Those who would like to donate clothing may call 931-332-2400 or email MaryandMarthaWC@gmail.com. You will be given a location for dropoff; they currently have clothing stations in Waynesboro, Collinwood, and Clifton.

All types and sizes of clothing are now being accepted. The clothing must be new or gently used, with no rips or stains. Also, the Ministry askes that any clothing donations be freshly laundered.

With cold weather moving in, Mary and Martha Ministry is currently holding a Winter Coat Drive. Coat dropoff locations are at Wayne County Bank in Waynesboro and Clifton, Waynesboro Elementary School, and the T House in Collinwood. Please follow the same requests as clothing donations – new or gently used, no rips or stains.

There is a tracking process for those in need of clothing. The Ministry will ask for the full name of the primary contact person, phone number, date of birth, and names of all household members over the age of 18. All information is kept confidential. Clothing may be supplied to an individual household once every 60 days.

Financial donations are also accepted in whatever amounts donors wish to make. The financial donations are distributed on a case-by-case basis, with some funds used to purchase gas or grocery cards as needed. The Ministry offers cash assistance when funds are available to those who are in or have recently experienced a life-altering situation.

Mary and Martha Ministry is excited for the opening of their new Ministry Center in Waynesboro in January 2027, where there will be much more room for people to shop for clothing. “We want everyone to feel welcome, and not feel like they are being judged,” said a member of the administration. All those who receive assistance from the Ministry receive a Bible as well.

Leading sponsors of the Ministry have been integral to their mission. Michael Francis has partnered with them to make his building an affordable location for their new Ministry Center. Melvin Rose sold the Ministry clothing racks at cost and has provided them with an abundance of new clothing. Additionally, three churches came on board to help support the Ministry with initial donations: Cross Point Church of Christ, McGlamery Church, and Philadelphia Baptist Church.

Mary and Martha Ministry serves Wayne and surrounding counties and welcomes new volunteers. For more information on how to donate or how to request assistance, and to learn more about the Ministry, visit their website at www.maryandmarthaministry.org or visit them on Facebook at Mary and Martha Ministry.