TALLADEGA — Senior adults from First Baptist Church of Jacksonville were among dozens of groups from across the region attending the Senior Adult Retreat Oct. 19-21 at Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center.

The retreat was sponsored by the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions and is one of three held at the Talladega conference center and camp each year, drawing 900 seniors from more than 75 Alabama churches.

Eileen Mitchell, who conducts the retreats through her work for the Board of Missions, said it offers her the opportunity to minister with older adults, learn about them and from them. "They have experienced so much in their years, and I marvel at their resilience," she said. "Older adults are the strong foundation in their church, and I count it a privilege to work with them and call them friend."

Seventeen senior adults from the church, led by Bob and Eloise Crossley, attended the retreat. Those participating were: James and Pearly Brown, Henry and Sue Campeaux, Don and Shirley Orton, Jim and Jan Reaves, Jerry and Merrell Bryant, Bea Brown, Joyce Walker, Maureen Smith, Suzanne Hobbs and Barbara Snow.

During their time at Shocco, members were involved in worship, conferences and fellowship with other Christians.