Susan - Refreshments Team

Susan came to the Cathedral on the St Frideswide Pilgrimage in October 2023, and while here expressed an interest in volunteering with us. She joined the Cathedral Guides' training programme the following February and then decided to join the Refreshment Team, where she helps out on Sundays providing refreshments for the congregation after the service.

Like so many of our volunteers, Susan's interests are varied: she has an education and science background; she volunteers at the Oxford City Farm; and enjoys art, pottery, and walking.

Joining the Refreshments Team at Christ Church 

Supervision: Volunteer & Visitor Coordinator (VVC)

Time commitment: Sunday mornings / occasional events - sign up as per your availability.

Purpose and function: Members of the Refreshment Team prepare the tea and coffee for the congregation after the 11am Eucharist on a Sunday morning, and/or assist with providing refreshments at other events. This is a key part of our ministry of welcome and hospitality – offering people a chance to stay and have a hot drink and chat with clergy, fellow congregants, or event attendees.

Role profile:

• Enthusiasm for the Cathedral’s worship (being a member of the Cathedral’s congregation is helpful but not essential).
• A positive, friendly, helpful attitude
• Flexibility to adapt to circumstances
• A willingness to attend training sessions, as required
• Preparing and serving refreshments is a physical role, and members of the team must be physically capable of fulfilling their duties, though it may be possible to amend some duties depending on the ability of the individual.
   

Duties:

• Prepare and serve tea and coffee and biscuits/cake on a Sunday morning
• Prepare and serve tea and coffee or other hot and cold drinks and biscuits/cakes or other food to events attendees
• Carry out the role assigned to you to the best of your ability
• Be aware of any special arrangements
• Assist with tidying up after the service or event.
   

Requirements:

• Read and follow the Christ Church Cathedral Volunteer Safeguarding Guide
• Complete Church of England Safeguarding Training – Basic Awareness, and Foundation modules
• Read and sign the Volunteer Agreement
• Complete induction training which will include Health & Safety, Fire, and Security, as appropriate for the role
• A food hygiene certificate is useful but not essential
• Depending on additional advice received from the UK government or Church of England, you may be required to attend additional training sessions
• Attend Volunteer Days and training sessions as appropriate for the role.
   

Volunteer Benefits

• Become part of a friendly, supportive and welcoming community of volunteers
• Invitations to monthly coffee mornings with quizzes and talks; annual Garden Party and Epiphany Party (including a guest); visits to places of interest
• Priority booking to services such as Nine Lessons & Carols 
• Free entry to the Christ Church site at any time (when open) with family or friends
• 10% discount in the Christ Church shop.

The Cathedral is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Other volunteer roles

Find out more about all the volunteer roles available at the Cathedral.