St. John's Episcopal Church

Middle-School Sunday School
2025-12-21 11:30 - 12:15 (America/New_York) | Sunday School Classrooms, FL
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.
Any questions, please contact Tyree Jordan.

Children’s Sunday School
2025-12-21 11:30 - 12:15 | Sunday School Classrooms, FL
Children in PreK-5th grades are invited to join us from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM for weekly Christian formation. This year, 4 classes (PK/K, 1st, 2nd/3rd grades, and 4th/5th grades) will meet weekly through April 27. Activities take place upstairs in the Sunday School wing.
Here’s what we’ll be learning!
PK/K: Godly Play– This nurturing approach honors the unique competencies and capacities of early childhood. Students’ innate spirituality will be engaged, and their growing use of religious language will be nourished as they make meaning from Biblical stories through a creative process of self-discovery.
1st: Festal Eucharist– Students will participate in a special curriculum created right here at St. John’s to prepare our first-grade children for worship in the Episcopal tradition. They will focus on Worship, Holy Baptism, Christian Giving and The Holy Eucharist culminating with the Festal Eucharist in May.
2nd/3rd & 4th/5th: StoryMakers- Upper elementary students will become StoryMakers and use their imaginations to enter God’s story. They will engage with Biblical stories through creative visual arts, interactive storytelling, field notes, fun facts, thoughts to ponder, and hands-on activities. They will experience stories of The Promised Land, Isaiah, Advent, Lent, and Easter.
We also provide a full staff on Sunday mornings in our nursery for children five years and younger. We would love to have your child join us on Sunday mornings! Any questions, please contact Tyree Jordan.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD

Pastoral Care
2025-12-21 11:30 - 12:00 | North Transcept in Church

Holy Eucharist Rite II
2025-12-21 10:00 - 11:15 | Church
This traditional Rite II Service of Holy Eucharist meets in the main sanctuary in person. This service includes choir, organ, and Children’s Chapel.
It will also be livestreamed.
Visit our ONLINE WORSHIP page.

Weekly Sermon Discussion
2025-12-21 09:00 - 09:45 | Rutledge Room, FL
Have you ever walked out of church wishing to dig even deeper into the scriptures and sermon of the day? Join us on Sundays after each service to further unpack the wisdom and insights revealed during the church service. Join us after our 8 AM service for some coffee and conversation about the morning’s sermon and lessons. All are welcome!
Led by Betty Lou Joanos and Frances Hart.

St. Augustine’s Confessions: Adult Sunday School
2025-12-21 09:00 - 09:45 | Killeen Hall
The son of a pagan father and a Christian mother, Saint Augustine spent his early years torn between conflicting faiths and world views. His Confessions, written when he was in his forties, recount how, slowly and painfully, he came to turn away from his youthful ideas and licentious lifestyle, to become instead a staunch advocate of Christianity and one of its most influential thinkers. A remarkably honest and revealing spiritual autobiography, the Confessions also address fundamental issues of Christian doctrine, and many of the prayers and meditations it includes are still an integral part of the practice of Christianity today.

Holy Eucharist Rite I
2025-12-21 08:00 - 09:00 | Church
This traditional Rite I Service of Holy Eucharist meets in the main sanctuary in person.

Advent Sound Bath
2025-12-20 17:00 - 20:30 | Alfriend Hall
Join us on Saturday, December 20 at 5:30 PM for a special evening led by Sound Resonance, a trio of dedicated sound healing practitioners on a mission to bring harmony and well-being through the power of sound. Come enjoy an oasis of peace and relaxation during the busy season of Advent; together, we will wait in the darkness for the coming light.
REGISTER HERE
WHAT TO EXPECT
Deep relaxation and rest! If this is your first Sound Bath and you aren’t sure what to expect, here’s a helpful article https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-sound-baths-4783501. There is nothing for you to “do” and we invite you to enter the space with openness and curiosity. Please let us know if you are hearing impaired when you check in so we can guide you to the area closest to the sounds. You may need to adjust hearing aids!
Click here to read more about Sound Baths.
Click here to meet Trine, Sound Practitioners.
ARRIVAL
Please plan on arriving early. The doors will be open starting at 5:30. Come in and start setting up your space. Doors will be locked promptly at 6:00pm as late arrivals will be rather disruptive to the event.
WHAT TO BRING
We want you to be cozy and relaxed! Dress comfortably and bring your yoga mat, pillow, warm socks and blanket with you. The floor of Alfriend Hall is rather hard, so we encourage you to bring extra cushioning, a thicker mat, or extra blankets to be comfortable. If laying down for over an hour poses a problem, you are welcome to bring the chair of your choice.
CHILDCARE
We have a beautiful nursery and an older children’s room equipped with childcare minders for Saturday night. Volunteers will direct you to the nursery where you can sign them in to play during the Sound Bath. If you have not already requested childcare, please mail Alison Dillehay at AlisonDillehay@gmail.com by Friday at noon. Please include the number of children and their names and ages.
OTHER HELPFUL TIPS!
It’s always important to stay hydrated, but even more so when experiencing a Sound Bath. Drink lots of water tomorrow and be sure to visit the restroom before you settle into your cozy cocoon. The lights will be dimmed during the Sound Bath and it will last about an hour.
STAY FOR REFRESHMENTS!
We hope you’ll stay to visit and enjoy some refreshments after our Sound Bath concludes. Ask questions! Visit with old friends and make some new ones. We can’t wait to welcome you to St. John’s.

This event is presented by The Front Porch: a Spiritual Life Center. The Front Porch welcomes people along all paths who seek to deepen their spiritual lives. We offer contemplative practices, events, and classes rooted in Christian spirituality.

Altar Guild
2025-12-20 09:00 - 10:30 | Church

Piano Lessons
2025-12-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Chapel and Choir Room
Adam Ravain teaches piano lessons on Friday evenings until 6:00.

Friday Book Study
2025-12-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom – link in description
Our Friday Book Study meets at 12 PM via Zoom. Each Friday, join us online as we make our way through selected readings designed to take us deeper into our Biblical knowledge and dive into Scripture.
No registration is required. New participants are welcome at any time!
Our Advent Reading is:
And His Name Shall Be Called
An Advent Devotional
by James C. Howell
—————-
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83356963610?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 833 5696 3610
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Education for Ministry (EfM) Thursday evening class
2025-12-18 17:30 - 20:00 | Rutledge Room, FL

Jackson PDC Meeting
2025-12-18 16:00 - 19:00 | Killeen Hall

The Good Book
2025-12-18 12:00 - 13:00
Community, conversation, learning, prayer: all rooted in God’s Word. Join us for an online Bible study that will help you grow in faith. This weekly class gathers online via Zoom.
Click here to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87909742913?pwd=[REDACTED]
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Click to join the meeting or call (301) 715–8592
Meeting ID: 879 0974 2913

Small Group for People with Aging Parents
2025-12-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Adult Meeting Room, FL

Newcomers Welcome Bag Mtg
2025-12-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Killeen Hall

Men’s Bible Study
2025-12-18 07:00 - 08:00 | Killeen Hall
Our Men’s Bible Study gatherings are held every Thursday at 7 AM. Join us for a relaxed, insightful Bible study with early morning fellowship! Whether you’re new or well-versed in the scriptures, all are welcome. Dive into our weekly discussion at your own pace. Participate weekly, as your schedule dictates, without missing a beat.
Readings are emailed in advance of class, along with links to commentary. To join our email list, contact Jonathan Jackson. See you there!
This is a HYBRID meeting. Join us in person in Killeen Hall or by Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87429760245?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 874 2976 0245
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Christmas Service of Comfort & Healing
2025-12-17 12:10 - 13:30 | Church
We celebrate the upcoming holiday by acknowledging that there may also be sadness during joyful times. Our annual Service of Comfort and Healing will be held on Wednesday, December 17, in place of our weekly healing service. This is especially for those experiencing grief and loss, or in need of healing, during the holiday season. Come enjoy Eucharist, special prayers, and music at this poignant service.
After the 12:10 p.m. service, all are invited to join the St. John’s clergy for a special lunch in Killeen Hall. RSVP to Deborah Dugger in the church office at (850) 222-2636.

Healing Service
2025-12-17 12:10 - 13:00 | Carter Chapel, FL
On Wednesdays, we offer a Service of Holy Eucharist and Healing.
This 30-minute service is perfect for those who can’t attend on Sundays or anyone seeking spiritual nourishment midweek. Our brief service time allows for prayer, reflection and partaking in the Eucharist before continuing our day’s work.
This Wednesday service incorporates a special time for healing prayer.

Small Group Meeting (Martha Ray-Brooks)
2025-12-17 11:30 - 13:00 | Rutledge Room, FL

EfM Tuesday afternoon class (Education for Ministry)
2025-12-16 12:30 - 15:00 | Rutledge

Bible Study
2025-12-16 12:30 - 13:30 | Press Room

Women’s Bible Study
2025-12-16 11:30 - 12:30 | Killeen Hall
This fall, St. John’s will offer a new weekly Bible study for women on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Killeen Hall. Facilitated by Jane Menton, the group will explore A Beautiful Year in the Bible, a theologically grounded and visually engaging resource from the Alabaster Company. Designed to be accessible and thought-provoking, this study invites women of all ages and backgrounds to reflect on themes such as New Beginnings, Heeding God’s Call, Relationships, Forgiveness, Generosity, and Hope.

The format is flexible, with content designed for 52 weeks but easily spread across two years if the group desires. Books are available for purchase on Amazon. Our first session will be Tuesday, September 16. All are welcome.

Centering Prayer
2025-12-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom – link in description
Centering Prayer is a movement beyond words or silent communion with God. Our Centering Prayer group meets weekly to study scripture, discuss writings by contemplative authors, and listen to God through Centering Prayer. All are welcome!
This event is Zoom Only! Join us using the link below on Monday evenings:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/455609224?pwd=[REDACTED]
Password: [REDACTED]
Click to join the meeting or call-in by phone: (301) 715–8592
Meeting ID: 455 609 224

Our weekly classes are presented by The Front Porch: a Spiritual Life Center. The Front Porch welcomes people along all paths who seek to deepen their spiritual lives. We offer contemplative practices, events, and classes rooted in Christian spirituality.

Advent Lessons & Carols (with Dessert Reception)
2025-12-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Church
This annual holiday service heightens the expectancy of the Advent season! Let’s celebrate together with the Advent Procession, the reading of scripture, and the singing of Advent carols, hymns, and anthems. The service begins at 7:00 PM.
All are invited to enjoy a dessert reception after the service in Alfriend Hall. If you’d like to help supply tasty treats and nibbles for the reception, or even a bottle of bubbly, we’d be so grateful. Drop-offs can be made in the kitchen before or after the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, Dec. 14.
We’ll also need lots of cheerful helpers to set up, serve, and clean up—please check out the available slots using the link below.
DESSERT RECEPTION SIGN-UP

Second Sunday Youth Group (EYC): Christmas Party
2025-12-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Youth Room (Downstairs)
Come all ye faithful and bring all yer friends for a “White Elephant” gift exchange party! Find, make, thrift, regift, or otherwise appropriately acquire something you would love to receive so you can give it away. (Don’t worry, someone else will be doing the same thing for you.) Please keep the value of your offering to around $12 and get creative. NO GAG GIFTS!!!
RSVP today so we know how many are coming! (Yes, there will definitely be snacks!)
RSVP TODAY!
St. John’s will hold Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) gatherings, or Youth Group, on the Second Sunday of each month. All youth, grades 6-12 are invited to join us for fun-filled, themed nights with special games and dinner. These gatherings will take typically place from 5-7 PM in Alfriend Hall at St. Johns. Bring a friend!
2025-26 Dates:

December 14
January 11
February 8
March 8
April 12

Sermon & Lectionary Discussion Group: Adult Sunday School
2025-12-14 11:30 - 12:15 | Adult Meeting Room, FL
Back by popular demand, this discussion-based class offers the chance to reflect more deeply on the sermon or lectionary readings of the day. Join us as we unpack the insights revealed in worship and grow in faith and fellowship with one another.

The Art of Christmas and Advent with Sister Wendy: Adult Sunday School
2025-12-14 11:30 - 12:15 | Rutledge Room, FL
Discover Advent and Christmas through the eyes of great artists as we follow Sr. Wendy Beckett’s book, The Art of Christmas & Advent, as it guides us into the beauty, depth, and meaning of the season with her reflections on these masterpieces.

Learning to Speak God From Scratch: Adult Sunday School
2025-12-14 11:30 - 12:15 | Killeen Hall
Many of us struggle to talk about faith. In this class, we will explore words like “grace,” “gospel,” “sin,” and “being lost,” while learning their biblical roots. The study is based on Learning to Speak God from Scratch by Jonathan Merritt, one of America’s premier religion writers. Through cultural commentary, vulnerable personal stories, and surprising biblical insights, Merritt breathes new life into ancient expressions. This provocative and liberating class will help you find fresh language for your spiritual life and conversations.
Click here to purchase a copy of Learning to Speak God from Scratch by Jonathan Merritt via the St. John’s Cathedral Bookstore & Gift Shop, Jacksonville.
NOTE: This class is also available to join via Zoom. If you cannot join us in person, click the meeting link below and join us. You’ll be muted upon entry, so enter any questions or comments into the chat!
Click the link below to join the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81897508324?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 818 9750 8324
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Youth Sunday School
2025-12-14 11:30 - 12:15 | Youth Room (Downstairs)
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.
Any questions, please contact Tyree Jordan.
