Home grown for us at Home
Holy Hermits has grown out of pandemic, into something that will outlive Covid-19 by the grace of God

Originally developed in response to the arrival of pandemic in March 2020 with the Parish of Bulimba, Holy Hermits Online is now hosted by St John's Cathedral Brisbane and is boundary-less and geographically free to invite people from everywhere to join in and live as the Body of Christ online.

What makes Holy Hermits Online different?
Many online ministries have been born during the pandemic, but few offer the same level of engagement and connection that Holy Hermits Online represents.

Having the space available for those who attend to interact with one another and with the liturgy, by offering their ministry gifts, makes this community engagement unique.

With inclusivity and invitational values driving the ministry, Holy Hermits Online enables people who may not have been able to exercise their ministry gifts in a physical Church setting, to function as a member of the body of Christ in an authentic and meaningful way.

By being free of building management or geographical limitations the focus of community connection and pastoral care are paramount for Holy Hermits Online.

Inspired by the Holy Hermits from our history we are encouraged by their examples to make space for God to transform our lives and the lives of those around us through us. 

Who is this online church for?
 What’s good about Holy Hermits Online right now?
  •  offers space for people who are vulnerable to C-19, to gather online, participate and offer their gifts in Christian vocation and worship, from home.
  • creates a holding space, or safety net, for those who may have fallen away from their local Church and are awaiting safer times to return.
  • can be a landing zone for those who are seeking, dipping their toes in the faith pool, before they transition to attending a local Church. 
  • offers an accessible and meaningful way to engage in community and connect with God and others, for those who may not be seeking physical church attendance.
  • can be an accessible ministry for those in rural community, as well as beyond borders, as it is not limited by geography, being completely online.  
  • is accessible for those who are travelling away from their current community or are under the weather, so they don't miss out on their date with God at Church each week.
  • can join families together who are geographically apart, so they can attend worship together.
  • provides a more focused space for experiencing the presence of God in the liturgy, without the distraction often presented at a physical gathering.
Below is a downloadable poster and flyer
Please feel welcome to download and distribute these flyers to share our invitation to community
Downloads
Being Together
Expectations of behaviour in our church community

At Holy Hermits Online we value fellowship and unity alongside difference, and discourage the bringing of anything that could be divisive or hurtful to our shared space where everyone is welcome. 

Jesus told us to love one another as he loves us. As Christians we know our life together is strengthened when our behaviour is consistent with our faith. However, our experience of being together can be difficult, particularly when there are differences. So it is important to be clear about how we will behave towards each other.

Being a community:

We will value the wellbeing of others.

We will encourage each other to participate in the life of the church.

We will consider the impact of our behaviour on others.

Relating to each other:

We will treat each other with respect and dignity, irrespective of ability, gender, sexuality, race, age or contribution to the church.

We will act with integrity and honesty in our interactions with each other.

Communicating with each other:

We will communicate respectfully with others, and not in a way that threatens, belittles or humiliates.

We will speak with integrity and honesty, and refrain from speculation and gossip.

Acknowledging difference:

We will respect those who are different from us and not isolate or ridicule them.

We will listen to and seek to understand the beliefs, opinions and practices of others, even when we do not share their views.

Responding to conflict:

We will accept responsibility for our part in a conflict.

We will be willing to play our part in resolving a conflict.

 

Resolution 45/14 of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia 2014 “Being Together”

An intro to HHO

Our first look at ministry together October 2020

Reflecting on our first 6 months of ministry together - April 2021

A deeper look at who we are at HHO and how we are following the Holy Spirit's leading
Online Safety
We take the safety of our members very seriously at HHO and undertake to make being part of community as safe as possible
Online safety is the main reason signing-up is necessary to get the Zoom links for worship and gatherings. By ensuring that those who have signed up are genuinely wanting to connect in or become part of the community, we have less risk of internet 'trolls' gaining access and disrupting our space.

Our members are encouraged not to give personal information away on Zoom - even when we are gathered with other members we know well. Although Zoom is a very safe platform and is constantly being updated to make it safer, we must remember that being in a Zoom meeting is still a public space.

Only the sermon is recorded during our worship. Many people would likely appreciate having access to the full service recording, however due to the nature of our worship being so interactive - with members offering their ministry gifts in roles like LA, reader or prayer leader - we protect our community by 'pinning' the minister's screen and recording only the message of the day which is loaded to YouTube, embedded on the Sermons Page and made available to the community for further reflection.

Lastly members are encouraged to think carefully about using their full names when they join our Zoom spaces. Whenever a community member is mentioned in our send-outs, on the liturgy screens or in other communications, only their first name will be used. 

Overall, being part of the Holy Hermits Online community should always feel like a safe space, but if anyone is in doubt or has a concern they are welcome to raise it with either Rev'd Jamee or with our Leaders Chris and Paul, and we will gladly do our best to help.