SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday school is important in the spiritual development of Christians because it provides a forum for learning. This forum is comprised of students and teachers. Sunday School encourages spiritual interaction between the students and the teachers, as well as providing a comprehensive way of learning as a group. Ephesians 4:11, includes teachers within the five-fold ministry of the church. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers”. Sunday School is a vital part of the anointing of this office and God’s plan for the church. While the priest is called to preach the Word unto Salvation, the teacher is called to bring further understanding of God’s Word.
St.Thomas Jacobite Syrian Sunday School was started with 6 students and 2 teachers in 2008 which has been flourished to a total of 125 students and 16 teachers. We offer classes from prep to Grade 12.
YOUTH ASSOCIATION
St Thomas Youth Association provides opportunities & assistance for the young generation to uphold Christian values, promote spiritual growth, practice traditional liturgical faith & principles and come together in supporting the parish in all its future endeavours. While being aware of many difficulties faced in a society different to the one we originate from; this Youth Association provides a platform for all youth of the church to come together and create a strong fellowship between themselves. This is done through various activities, fund raising events, charity initiatives, picnics, bible study sessions and many more. The future of our church is in the hands of the young generation, and as such, this Youth Association works to increase enthusiasm and commitment to the church, our faith, our believes and our heritage. Helping the wider community, supporting the church construction, creating a strong relationship between sister churches are all key aspects of St Thomas Youth Association.
WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Women’s Association also known as Morth Mariam Vanitha Samajam is the women’s wing of the Church. It is one of the major spiritual organizations of the Church comprises of all its female members. Morth Mariam Vanitha Samajam gathers every fortnight after the Holy Qurbono and sing hymns and pray to God for their needs and the needs of the church and community similar to the intercession of our Holy virgin St.Mary.
Vanitha Samajam also plays an important role in fund raising, food festival and for all all feasts and celebrations of our church. In addition, Morth Mariam Vanitha Samajam also initiate special collections if the need arises for any special emergency situations.
CHURCH CHOIR
One of the major roles as a choir, like the Levites, is to minister with songs, so that we can attend to the needs and wants of those who come to worship by use of music. Under the leadership of Vicar, the church choir is assisted with a group of young and vibrant singers who sing for Sunday and special services.
FAMILY UNITS
St.Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church is the first Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in Queensland, Australia. Our church is the mother parish of many churches in Queensland. For effective coordination of our members, we have 7 wards across Brisbane, greater Brisbane region and Toowoomba.