Sarah Whitaker is a native Lakelander and has been a member of All Saints' for over 30 years. She was baptized, took her First Holy Communion, and was eventually married at All Saints'. She has worked in public education since 2009 and is currently a high school administrator. It is her love of All Saints' and her passion for teaching and learning that led her to become a volunteer on with the youth.
Youth Ministry
A Bridge to Adulthood
We are building a comprehensive program that offers social, service, and spiritual programming that is open to young people in our community. Youth Ministry is led by a youth minister and many adult volunteers. Our program begins with sixth grade and continues through graduation from high school.
The purpose of the Youth Ministry program is to offer opportunities for our middle and high school teens to become active participants in the parish community.
Through planned events and activities, we intend to provide a bridge that will serve the middle and high school teens on their journey to adulthood. We are excited to invite you to come and see what we are all about!
Growing in God's Word
Serving our Community
Fellowship Opportunities
Join us Sunday mornings!
- 10:00 - 10:40 a.m. Youth Sunday School (MS & HS have separate classes) - Youth Floor (Scripture lessons from worship are discussed).
Wednesday nights would be better with you!
- 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Youth Group for 6th-12th graders (Large group and small group activities) - Youth Floor.
More Information About Wednesdays
- Youth Group - Middle school and high school students initially meet together for announcements and opening prayer. Everyone stays together for a large group game then split up into small group conversations with a youth leader. The emphasis is on applying scripture to their daily lives. Snacks are provided. Youth Group meets on the Ground Level of the McClurg building.
- Theme Nights – We enjoy going to Barnett Family Park once a month for Park Night, weather, and light permitting.
Yearly Events
- Fall Festival
- Parish Picnic
- Outreach Days
- Holy Week Family Night
- Soul in the City Mission Week
- Diocesan Fall and Spring Events
- Seasonal Parties
- Youth-led Sunday Service
Special Events
Special events are planned throughout the year for our teens. We have mission projects, fellowship parties and outings, discipleship opportunities, and service projects. Some are focused for middle schoolers, some for high schoolers, some for all teens, and a few are for the entire family!
Our Team
Chad Whitaker and his wife, Sarah, were married at All Saints' Episcopal Church. He works full time as a Lieutenant with the Lakeland Police Department.
“Through my work, I see the significance of establishing a strong relationship with God and the importance of good mentorship and role models for today’s youth”.
Heather Torres has been a member of All Saints' since she was an infant and is a third generation member. She is married and has three daughters. She has been a teacher in Polk County Schools since 2000. In 2023, she was led to volunteer with the youth. It has helped her grow as a Christian and as a mom, while fostering meaningful connections with our youth and families.
Shaun Kysor is a New England native and a devout follower of Christ who is grateful to be part of our Youth Ministry team. He is deeply committed to helping today's youth interpret and understand the profound importance of God's Word.
"I view this journey as a collaborative one, believing that diving into Scripture with students enriches my own faith and education just as much as theirs."
Julia Scott has been a member of All Saints' since she was an infant. She was baptized, received First Holy Communion and confirmed at All Saints'. She recently graduated high school from George Jenkins, and now a full time student at Polk State College. She volunteers in the nursery on Sundays.
"I chose to volunteer my time with the youth, because of how my youth experience was positively impacted and my relationship and knowledge of God grew with this group of people."
Garrett Waldron - Director of Youth Ministries
Garrett has been volunteering in youth ministry since 2017. He began working in full-time ministry in May of 2024, taking on the Youth and Young Adult Ministries and assuming the role of Acolyte Warden. He is a third-generation member of All Saints', and was baptized, confirmed, and married at this church. He and his wife have four children together; three boys and one girl.
"I believe our youth and young adults yearn for love, acceptance, truth, and stability. The Gospel message offers all of these things. With the Bible as our guiding light, I hope to teach today's teenagers and young adults that you can love everyone while speaking truth. It's during this critical juncture in their lives that I want to train them to take ownership of their faith, to root their beliefs in the solid rock of Jesus Christ, and to be a light for Christ here on Earth. No matter how the winds of culture change, the message and truth of the Gospel never will."