St. John’s Youth ride roller coasters at theme parks and build structures and relationships in developing countries. We eat pizza on retreat weekends and deliver food to the hungry and homeless. We hang with people our age and sing carols to our senior friends many times our age.
All of that and more makes St John’s Youth a group that comes together for worship, outreach, discipleship, fellowship…. and fun. St John’s is all about meeting people wherever they are in their spiritual journey and the same is true for our youth program.
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.
Middle-schoolers (6-8 grade) are invited to join us from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM for weekly Christian formation in the Sunday School wing.
Middle school students will become StoryMakers to express their questions, discoveries, and creativity as they explore the deep theological truths and faith in God. They will walk through the Signs of Grace—baptism and Communion—which contain the tangible means they can hang on to when all seems lost, and the Lord’s Prayer, which assures us we have been given the title of heirs—adopted into God’s kingdom and claimed as his own.
High schoolers are invited to join us in the Youth Room, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM on Sundays.
High school Sunday programing this year revolves around loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Students will rotate through four themes each month with the Wellness Compass, the Prayer Book, Global Philanthropy Leaders (and other special topics), and a movement-based class. Students will also have the option to use the time for personal reflection or preparation on any or all Sundays.
We hope you join us for this Sacred Space on Sundays.
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Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in confirmation classes, an opportunity to grow in their relationship with God and to make a mature, public affirmation of their faith in Christ. Classes begin each year in January.
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Youth in grades 6-8 and 9-12 gather separately on Sunday evenings once or twice per month for fellowship, service, games, dinner, and compline. Past themes have included Survivor, College Care Packages, Olympics, Creation Care, Hungry Hungry Hippos, and more!
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Global Philanthropy Leaders (GPL) is a small group for high school students which meets for lunch and discussion once a month on Sundays from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Participants apply for the entire program and learn about global philanthropy, personal finance, and global poverty by investing in micro-loans around the world.
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) - 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) - youth entering grades 9-12 are invited to serve and learn in Cuba, 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.
“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.
Youth B.E.A.T. (Being. Extraordinary. Around. Tallahassee.) is a service-oriented camp, typically offered at the beginning of June, for youth entering grades 6-12. Although this is a faith-based camp, the week is open to all youth in the Tallahassee area. Participants earn 25 service hours and gain a wider perspective of who makes up our community while serving at five different local organizations during the week. There is a fee for the week, but confidential scholarships are available.
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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.
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