The buzz among Durham congregations this week is an annual event that combines fun with fund-raising, attracts thousands of supporters and is in its 32nd year.

The Durham CROP Walk, the third-largest in the country, will step off from in front of Duke Chapel at 2:30 p.m. March 19.

Organizers have set a goal of 4,000 walkers and $175,000 for 2006. Last year's walk raised $159,275; about 3,200 people turned out for the 4.8-mile event.

"We walk because they walk" is a slogan that helps participants remember the many people around the world who have to walk miles for water and other basic necessities of life. Twenty-five percent of the money raised remains in the community. Last year, $39,819 was distributed among 11 local ministries that address hunger needs in Durham.

Durham's walk would not be the event it is without commitment from congregations across denominational and racial lines and the dedication of particular individuals.

One of its longtime supporters is Kenzie Brannon, 67, a member of Westminster Presbyterian, who starts twisting arms and making threats in mid-February to get supporters. This will be his 31st CROP Walk. (The joke at Westminster is that if you don't respond with a check promptly and generously, Brannon will ask for help from his Mafia cousin in Chicago.)

Prospects are good this year for a record number of walkers, said Jenny Shafer, director of Durham's walk. She said attendance at February's recruitment kickoff was larger than ever; some congregations are supporting the effort for the first time.

Also supporting the walk is a group of AmeriCorps volunteers at N.C. Central University who will host a hunger banquet at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church. A full meal of rice, chili, salad and bread will be served to 15 percent of the diners. Reduced portions will be served to 25 percent. The remaining 60 percent will get just rice. After the meal, participants will discuss world hunger and how to address it, including the work of Church World Service that sponsors CROP Walks across the country.

In Durham, the walk is supported by Durham Congregations in Action.

Area Lenten services

A downtown Lenten service will be at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the sanctuary of Trinity United Methodist, 215 N. Church St. The Rev. Sam Wells, dean of Duke Chapel, is speaker. Lunch will be served at noon.

Churches in the southwest part of the city will hold a Lenten service at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Stephen's Episcopal, 82 Kimberly Drive. Lunch will be at 11:45 a.m.

New Mennonite pastor

An installation service for Spencer Bradford, new pastor at Durham Mennonite Church, will be at 4 p.m. today at the church, 603 Lynn Road. A reception will follow.

Durham Mennonite Church has been gathering for worship and service in Durham for 30 years. The congregation's previous pastor, Paul Godshall, retired on Easter Sunday 2005.

Bradford, the congregation's fourth pastor, is a graduate of Stetson University and Duke Divinity School. He has been working in ecumenical social ministries in North Carolina since 1992. He and his wife, Renee Collins Bradford, have been members of Durham Mennonite Church since 2000.

The Mennonite Church has more than a million members worldwide. Mennonite beliefs and practices vary widely, but following Jesus in daily life is a central value, along with peacemaking, practical mutual aid and service.

'Will of God' series

A sermon series on "The Will of God" will begin Sunday at 10:55 a.m. at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, 504 W. Chapel Hill St. The first message is titled "God's Plan for You and Me."

On March 26, the sermon is "Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?" in which the pastor, the Rev. Jim Bell, will examine the perplexing problem of evil.

"God Has the Final Word" is the message for April 2 in which the pastor will give affirmation to the idea that nothing can happen that will ultimately defeat God's will.

The concluding sermon, "Discerning God's Will," will be delivered April 9. The preacher will explore practical ways to help Christians discern God's will for their lives.

Women's group brunch

The Durham Christian Business and Professional Women will have a brunch and a musical program in the Bel Gusto Restaurant at the Millennium Hotel on March 18.

Brunch begins at 10 a.m., and the program presented by Jeff Furman will follow. He is a member of the Carolina Dulcimer Players and will perform songs on the dulcimer. The speaker is Shirley Ludwig of Cary; her theme is "Life in the Fast Lane."

To make reservations, call 489-6924. Cost is $10.