The second annual Pumpkin Patch, with more than 600 pumpkins, will open today on the church grounds at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis Road.

The youth ministry at the church is sponsoring the patch, which will keep regular hours from today through Oct. 31. Profits from the sale will be used for mission trips by church youth and for hurricane relief on the Gulf Coast.

All sizes of pumpkins will be sold, along with a variety of gourds and Indian corn. The pumpkins came from the farms of Native Americans in New Mexico, who ship their harvest to churches and civic groups throughout the country.

Diane Archer, minister of education and youth, said the patch went well last year and turned into a fellowship event with members of all ages helping out with the chores.

"We also met many people in the community," she said. "Someone from a daycare center bought 100 of the mini-pumpkins that are called 'spookies' to give to each of the children."

Spookies, the size of a cantaloupe, sell for $1.50 and larger pumpkins are priced according to size, from $3 up to $15 for the really super sizes that are as big as an armchair, Archer said. Prices, which are set by the supplier, are the same as last year.

Hours are Monday through Friday from 2 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.

'Patriot,' poet to discuss new writings

Donald and Peggy Shriver will discuss their writings and their work in the Truth and Reconciliation movement Tuesday at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. The event is co-sponsored by Regulator Bookshop.

Donald Shriver is former president and professor emeritus of applied Christianity at Union Theological Seminary in New York. His latest book is "Honest Patriots: Loving a Country Enough to Remember its Misdeeds," in which he discusses past errors and ways to find constructive resolutions.

Peggy Shriver is a poet whose work reflects her close and careful observation of both natural and social/political events. Her most recent book is "The Dances of Riverside Park and Other Poems."

The Shrivers have spent time in South Africa participating in the truth and reconciliation process and in South Korea observing the tensions in that region.

"In a time when reconciliation is so essential for our survival, we are fortunate to have two people who have been engaged in the search for reconciliation to share their insights," said the Rev. Joe Harvard of First Presbyterian.

Copies of the books will be available at the event. The church is at 305 E. Main St. in downtown.

Walkathon to kick off at Antioch

Antioch Builds Community will host its first Walkathon, "Walking to Restore Communities" on Oct. 21 at 9 a.m., stepping off from Antioch Baptist Church, 1415 Holloway St. The church plans to make this an annual event.

Durham County Sheriff Worth Hill and Durham Police Chief Steve Chalmers, honorary co-chairmen of the event, will give remarks to walkers.

Registration for walking teams is now being accepted. Call 688-8893 for more information. Proceeds will be used to start a transitional housing ministry.

Durham Women's Connection to meet

The Durham Women's Connection, formerly Durham Christian Business and Professional Women, will host a breakfast, program and inspirational speaker on Oct. 21 at Cafe Pizzazz at North Duke Crossing, 3600 N. Roxboro Road.

Reservations should be made by Wednesday by calling (919) 489-6924.

Special feature is Mike Graziaom, manager of Wild Birds Unlimited, talking about showing kindness to fine-feathered friends during the winter. The speaker will be Shirley Krohn on the topic "From Insecurity to Confidence."

Further information available by calling (919) 596-0907.

Immaculate hosting DCIA meeting

Durham Congregations in Action will meet Tuesday at 11:45 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 725 Burch Ave.

The special feature will be a presentation by Bea Laney and Alisa Huffman of Durham System of Care.

"This is an important concept for DCIA's newest program 'YO: Durham'," said David Winer, executive director. "The objective is for different programs within a category, such as helping teens succeed in academics and in life, to work together as part of an overall system."

He said that in initiating YO: Durham next year, DCIA will explore ways in which it can collaborate with existing teen programs in the city and connect and work with them.

DCIA, an organization of 58 congregations that crosses racial and denominational lines, meets monthly at one of its member congregations. Interested persons, both clergy and lay people, are welcome. A light lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m., and a program and business meeting will follow.

Peace forum to explore origins of Mideast strife

Peace Covenant Church, located on N.C. 54 in South Durham, has announced a Friday Night Forum on Oct. 20, "A Primer to Christian Zionism and the Geo-Political History of the Middle East."

The presenters will be Phil Jacobson, who will speak on Christian Zionism, and John Crane, who will speak on the history of the Middle East.

The forum will deal with the question "What can peacemakers do?"

A meal will be provided at 6 p.m. for $6 per person. Child care will be provided. Those planning to attend should RSVP by Wednesday to Pastor Kate Spire at (919) 361-5898 or to Karen Mortimer at (919) 489-7028.

White Rock celebrates 140 years and counting

As part of a monthlong celebration marking the 140th anniversary of its founding, White Rock Baptist Church will hold a Community Conversation on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 3400 Fayetteville St.

Sen. Jeanne H. Lucas will moderate. The conversation will center around the book "Covenant with Black America" by Tavis Smiley. Others on the panel will be Judge Elaine Bushfan, attorney James "Butch" Williams, Dr. Elsie Leak, Dr. Goldie Byrd, Farad Ali, Police Chief Steve Chalmers, Ron Root and Sandra Braswell. The panel will discuss solutions to the disparities facing black Americans in health, public education, justice, economics, home ownership, policing and politics.

"The anniversary steering committee has centered all activities around outreach for our community, which encompasses our goal of ministry to families and exalting the name of Jesus Christ," said Pastor Reginald Van Stephens.

For the past six weeks the church has engaged in a "read-in" of the Tavis Smiley book.

A Medicaid eligibility/sign up will be on site Tuesday after the conversation. The public is invited.