Acolytes serve at the altar on Sundays and other occasions. All youth in fifth grade or older are eligible to become Acolytes. Training is held periodically. Youth Lectors read the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures during the 9:00 Sunday service. Training is held individually with clergy direction. Youth Choir Members contribute greatly to the worship experience.
Youth Sunday School classes start on Sunday, September 13 and will use the StoryMakers Curriculum.
Middle Schoolers will explore the diversity of relationships—with God, themselves, family, besties, neighbors, or strangers across the globe… God cares about every type of human connection. No matter where we live, we are all bound to one another. God has a beautiful vision for human life.
High Schoolers will discuss how sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that our future is all up to us. There is pressure in our own hearts and minds, not to mention from the world around us, to take control of our own lives and make them exactly the way we want them to be. This Future Self issue walks teens through stories from the past in order to find meaning in our futures. God’s stories in the Bible speak to us and remind us who holds our future hope!
Youth in grades 9–12 are invited to participate in our annual Confirmation class, a time of learning, conversation, and spiritual growth as they explore what it means to follow Christ in the Episcopal tradition. Together, participants dive into Scripture, worship, prayer, church history, and the beliefs and practices of our faith while asking honest questions in a welcoming environment.
For many, Confirmation is an opportunity to make a mature, public affirmation of their faith and reaffirm the promises made at their baptism. Whether a student has grown up in the church or is just beginning to explore Christianity, Confirmation is a meaningful next step on their faith journey. Classes begin each January and culminate with the Rite of Confirmation led by the Bishop during a spring visitation.
Sunday Youth Group is a place where students can ask honest questions, build friendships, and discover how their faith connects to everyday life. Together, they'll talk about current events, the challenges they're facing, and the topics they're seeing online, exploring how God calls us to respond as followers of Christ. Students are encouraged to share what's on their minds, helping shape future conversations around the issues that matter most to them. Along the way, they'll enjoy games, dinner, and plenty of opportunities to have fun while serving the church and the community together. We’ll share a meal together at 6 PM.
- Middle Schoolers Meet: 5:00-6:30 PM
- High Schoolers Meet: 6:00-7:30 PM
Here are the dates for 2026-2027:
- September 13
- October 4, 11, 18
- October 31: Trunk r Treat!
- November 1, 8, 15
- December 6
- December 22: Joint Christmas Party, 5-7 PM
- January 10, 17
- February 7, 14, 21
- March 7, 21
- April 4, 11, 18
- May 2
- May 9: End of the Year Pool Party!
High School Seniors are invited to join us on Mondays, 7:00-8:30 PM for Senior Circle, a monthly gathering just for them. Senior year is full of big moments and even bigger questions. Whether you're excited, nervous, overwhelmed, or all of the above, you don't have to navigate it alone. This is a laid back get gathering with snacks, coffee, and community of people going through the same thing you are.
2026-2027 Dates:
- September 21
- October 19
- November 16
- December 21
- January 18
- February 22
- March 22
- April 19
- May 10
Civil Rights Pilgrimage (bi-annually) - mature middle schoolers and high schoolers travel as pilgrims to significant civil rights sites in the south on a three-year rotating basis. Pilgrimages feature museums and culturally important sites in Montgomery, Atlanta, and Birmingham, respectively.
Universal Studios Trip (January 22-24, 2027) - pure fun in the parks of Universal is a great way to build and strengthen friendships. All 6-12 grade youth are welcome.
Mission Team (Summer 2027 - we're headed to Ecuador!) - youth entering grades 9-12 are invited to serve and learn in Ecuador, or a domestic location for a week in June or July. This is a significant time commitment to fundraising and team meetings before and after the actual mission trip. Confidential scholarships are available.
Camp Weed is our diocesan camp and conference center, located in Live Oak, Florida. Among many other programs, they host a youth summer camp. Campers of all faith backgrounds are welcome to attend. More information is available on the Camp Weed website.
New Beginnings is an annual fall retreat designed for youth in grades 6-8. During the weekend, participants meet peers from across the diocese, enjoy skits, listen to talks, and participate in small group activities and discussions. Click here for more info.
“Happening” is a renewal weekend for youth in grades 10-12 from across the Diocese of Florida. The retreat occurs three times per year, in September, January, and April. It is a weekend planned entirely by a team of high school youth, and involves fun, games, sharing, surprises, and spiritual renewal. Click here for more info.
Youth B.E.A.T. (Being. Extraordinary. Around. Tallahassee.) is a service-oriented day, typically offered in the summer, for youth entering grades 6-12. Although this is a faith-based camp, the day is open to all youth in the Tallahassee area. Participants earn service hours and gain a wider perspective of who makes up our community while serving at different local organizations during the week.
Youth ministry at St. John’s is successful due to a team of dedicated volunteers. Please contact us if you are interested in serving as a youth advisor, or as a member of our Youth Commission.
