Rev. Susan Sloan, rector of St. Stephens Episcopal in Huntsville, will open the 2015 Tuesday Lenten Lunch Series at First Baptist Church of Madison on Feb. 24. The public is welcome to attend. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – For the seventh year, First Baptist Church of Madison will host its Tuesday Lenten Lunch Series. The community is invited.

The 2015 series will open on Feb. 24 with Rev. Susan Sloan from St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Huntsville as speaker.

“Every year, we have a variety of speakers from various denominations, which reminds us that, as we look toward the cross of Christ, we are more alike than different,” Rev. Mary Jo Gessner said. Gessner serves as Minister of Pastoral Care at First Baptist.

“This year’s list of speakers were definitely hand-picked. All five are seasoned pastors and good preachers, with three being from Madison and two from Huntsville,” Gessner said.

Lenten Lunch speakers will be Dr. David B. Freeman, Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, March 3; Rev. Beth Thomason, Madison Christian Church, March 10; Dr. Mike Oliver, Trinity Baptist Church, March 17; and Dr. Travis Wilson, Madison United Methodist Church, March 31.

This year’s theme, “No Greater Love,” originates in John 15:13: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (English Standard Version)

The series’ goal is “to bring the Christian community together during this time of year as Easter is the most celebrated holy day for Christians worldwide,” Gessner said “Lent is the 40-day spiritual season that prepares us for such a celebration.”

Gessner believes that observing only the “holidays” of Christmas and Easter results in “overlooking the human joy and suffering Jesus experienced between cradle and resurrection.”

“As we focus on the cross during Lent, we experience hope, as Jesus knew all too well the epitome of human suffering. His death for us makes our lives matter and gives our lives purpose,” Gessner said.

Cost is $4 for a sandwich, chips, dessert and drink. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. A musical guest will perform at 11:55 a.m., follow by the speaker from noon to 12:30 p.m.

First Baptist’s address is 4257 Sullivan St. For a Lenten Lunch reservation, call 256-772-9712 or email to secretary@fbcmadison.net.