Local downtown churches kicked off their Holy Week services Monday with a luncheon Monday at First Baptist Church.

Members from the local churches gathered together to eat, fellowship and hear a message about Jesus leading up to Easter.

Dr. Jerry Light, pastor at First Baptist, was the first to speak during the week.

“Holy Week is a tradition in downtown Selma that goes back a number of decades,” Light said.

“The downtown churches gather together across denominational lines with a common interest which is worshiping our Lord and walking the steps that he traveled on his passion week.”

Light said meeting at the different churches is a great way to bring people of all backgrounds together for a common reason.

“It’s always special to see the people gather here and see friends that you know and that you may not see for several months because they’re in different churches,” Light said. “This is part of what holds Selma together spiritually.”

At the luncheon Monday, people sat at round tables so they could engage in conversation and visit with others, something Light said is important for the community.

“We call the Christian brotherhood the family of God, and we are,” Light said. “We’re diverse. You see old people and young people and all races and it’s a great thing to come together.”

The services will continue Tuesday at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Wednesday at Church Street United Methodist Church, Thursday at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and Good Friday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Each service starts at noon and concludes with fellowship and a luncheon. Friday’s St. Paul’s service will not have lunch in recognition of Good Friday, a day of fasting.