EVENTS CATERING TEAM
Welcome to the Team!
A message from our Pastor - Alex Tan
OUR VISION
MORE PEOPLE BECOMING MORE LIKE JESUS
Jesus' last words are our first priority.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18-20 | The Great Commission)
As a church, we exist to see souls saved and disciples made. We exist to see more people becoming more like Jesus.
This statement speaks of multiplication and discipleship; it is a mission to expand our community, not just in numbers, but in the depth of our faith. We're committed to reaching more of the coast and extending the invitation to experience the transformative power of Jesus' teachings. Simultaneously, we're focused on deepening our understanding and embodiment of those teachings and fostering a community of disciples who reflect the love and grace of Jesus.
This is where you come in! How can you embody “more people becoming more like Jesus” this year?
Our values are who we are. They are not just what we do, but they are part of our DNA.
If the vision is the roof, the values are the pillars to support it and keep it strong.
Our values propel us toward our vision and guide all that we do.
This is the language we want to hear in every team rally, team meeting and team chat.
1 - JESUS IS OUR MESSAGE
We believe Jesus is God’s answer for the world.
We’re Jesus people and live to represent Him.
We believe one encounter with Jesus changes everything.
2 - PEOPLE ARE OUR HEART
We value people because God values people.
We choose to encourage, honour and love one another.
We are authentic, family focussed and make real connections.
We’re here to see people saved and make disciples.
We believe everyone can do something to reach others.
3 - SERVANTHOOD IS OUR ATTITUDE
We love serving the Lord together.
We are contributors, not consumers.
We choose to go the extra mile.
We serve generously with our time, talent and treasure.
OUR VALUES
Meet your Team Leaders
Hi there! If we haven’t met already, we are Darren and Megan and together we oversee the Operations department. We’re so glad you’re here and excited to have you on the Events Catering Team!
As your leaders, we are here to support, care and lead you by building you up in your faith journey, being available to listen, guide and encourage you, and leading this team with a culture where feedback is welcome, growth is celebrated and no one feels alone in their role.
The Events Catering Team plays a unique and powerful role in the life of our church. While Sunday services are vital, many of our most meaningful community moments happen around special events.
Think:
Welcome Home Lunches
Easter and Christmas services
Momentum Summit and conferences
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations
Team events and parties
Baptisms
These moments create memories. They create connection. They create belonging.
Being part of the hm.team is not just about organising food or coordinating logistics. It is discipleship in action. God has given each of us grace to play our part. The win for every event is simple, to create spaces where people feel valued, celebrated and able to encounter Jesus in a joyful, welcoming environment.
Our role often includes:
Organising catering
Coordinating food trucks
Managing decorations and printed materials
Arranging event extras like face painting or animal farms
Supporting setup and styling
Running last-minute errands and pickups
Overseeing food presentation and service
We handle the details so others can focus on the moment.
Events can be busy, dynamic and sometimes unpredictable, but that is part of the joy. We serve with excellence, flexibility and a spirit of hospitality. When we do this well, people feel seen, honoured and included.
So what’s next? Below you will find more information about what serving on the Events Catering Team looks like, expectations and practical next steps.
We are here for any questions you may have and we can’t wait to serve alongside you.
Darren & Megan Lockwood
How we serve & serve well
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Dress Code:
We come to our Sunday services dressed modestly and to honour God.
Practically, that means wearing your hm.church lanyard while serving, bottoms that reach your knees, and no low-cut necklines that may show cleavage. Crop tops are not acceptable. Nothing that’s too tight, short, or revealing.
Clothing with prints and patterns are acceptable, unless they have language or images that may be offensive or inappropriate.
We respect everyone’s styles and personalities, however, please dress to ‘blend in’, rather than to ‘stand out’ - we want our congregation’s focus to be on Jesus!
If unsure, please feel free to ask our leaders at any time.
Blue Card:
All volunteers at hm.church are required to have a blue card issued by the Government. This is free and easily accessible. Once you have applied for a blue card, please provide your name, date of birth, card number and expiry date to Darren. If you don’t yet have a Blue Card go here for more info.
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Punctuality:
Your reliability sets the tone for the team. Please arrive on time and stay until it is complete. If you are unable to attend or will be late, let the leader know as early as possible.
Communication:
We use Facebook Messenger & SMS for Sunday updates and team communications. We believe in honouring each other's time and effort so expect responses to communications.
Next Steps
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Our onboarding process is designed to set you up for success and help you feel confident serving on the Events Catering Team.
Events are dynamic and often larger in scale than a regular Sunday, so preparation, communication and teamwork are key.
To get started, please review the following resources:
Day in the Life – Events Catering Team
Event Run Sheet (when applicable)
Food Safety Expectations
Safety GuidelinesHelpful Hints
From there, onboarding takes place over your first two events serving on the team.
You will serve alongside experienced team members, watching and learning:
Event setup and styling
Food preparation and presentation
Coordination with external vendors (food trucks, suppliers, decorators)
Serving workflow and guest engagement
Pack down and reset procedures
Last-minute adjustments and problem-solving
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, observe how events flow, and gradually step into responsibility with hands-on support.
You are considered fully onboarded when:
You are confident in event preparation and service processes
You understand food safety and hygiene expectations
You can follow an event run sheet independently
You can respond calmly and flexibly to unexpected changes
You are able to explain and show someone else how to do the role
Our goal is not just competence, but confidence. We want you to feel equipped, flexible and ready to serve with excellence at every event.
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We have a high feedback culture, and a culture of leading up. What this means is that communication is always two-way, we welcome any and all questions you may have, and encourage you to bring any issues, concerns, interests and more to our leaders.
Our leaders are equipped to answer your questions to the best of our ability, and will always be ready to support you.
More Info
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Throughout every event, your role is to create a space where people feel welcomed, celebrated and able to encounter Jesus. Events often carry extra energy and expectation, and our preparation shapes the atmosphere.
Here’s what a typical event day looks like:
Pre-Event Preparation
Prior to the event, preparation may include:
Confirming catering numbers
Coordinating food trucks or suppliers
Organising decorations and styling
Printing signage or menus
Arranging extras such as face painting or animal farmsCollecting supplies or running last-minute errands
Clear communication and early preparation reduce stress on the day.
Arrival & Setup
Arrival time will vary depending on the event, but the goal is always the same — be early and prepared.
Setup may include:
Arranging tables and seating
Setting up food service areas
Styling and decorating event spaces
Organising serving stations
Checking power access for food trucks or equipment
Preparing food presentation areas
Briefing volunteers on roles and timing
We prepare with excellence because atmosphere matters.
Team Briefing
Before guests arrive:
Review the event run sheet
Clarify roles and responsibilities
Pray togethe
Highlight key moments in the event
Discuss any special guests or considerations
Unity before service creates confidence during service.
During the Event
Once guests arrive, the focus shifts to hospitality and flow.
You may be:
Serving food or drinks
Managing catering timing
Supporting food trucks or vendorsRefilling serving stations
Monitoring cleanliness
Engaging with guests
Adjusting layout as needed
Stay attentive, flexible and positive. Events often require quick thinking and calm problem-solving.
Mid-Event Adjustments
Be prepared to:
Restock items
Respond to increased demand
Assist with special requests
Adjust setup if weather or attendance shifts
Handle unexpected needs
Flexibility is key. Keep communication clear and supportive.
Post-Event Pack Down
Once the event concludes:
Clear tables and serving areas
Pack away decorations and signage
Ensure leftover food is stored or disposed of safely
Clean all preparation and serving spaces
Return borrowed equipment
Load vehicles if required
Leave the space clean, tidy and reset
We finish strong.
The Win
Guests feel honoured and welcomed.
The event runs smoothly and joyfully.
The space supports connection, celebration and encounter.
Events are more than logistics. They are moments where memories are formed and lives can be impacted.
When we serve with excellence, flexibility and heart, we help create moments that matter.
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Throughout every event, your role is to create a space where people feel welcomed, celebrated and able to encounter Jesus. Events often carry extra energy and expectation, and your preparation helps shape the experience.
1. Warm & Hospitable
Friendly and welcoming presence
Comfortable engaging with guests
Creates a positive and relaxed atmosphere
Understands that hospitality builds belongingEvents are often someone’s first impression of our church culture.
2. Flexible & Adaptable
Comfortable with changing plans
Able to respond calmly to last-minute adjustments
Willing to jump in wherever needed
Open to serving in different roles depending on the eventEvents can be dynamic. Flexibility is strength.
3. Organised & Detail-Oriented
Pays attention to presentation and setup
Understands event run sheets and timelines
Ensures food is displayed well and safely
Follows through on tasks without remindersThe small details create memorable experiences.
4. Team-Oriented
Communicates clearly with leaders and team members
Supports vendors and external suppliers respectfully
Works collaboratively under time pressure
Encourages and helps new volunteersWe succeed together.
5. Reliable & Responsible
Arrives on time for event setup
Completes assigned tasks thoroughly
Sees pack down through to completion
Follows food safety and safety proceduresFinishing strong matters just as much as starting well.
6. Calm Under Pressure
Maintains a positive attitude during busy periods
Keeps service smooth even when unexpected things arise
Does not allow stress to affect hospitalityGuests may remember the atmosphere more than the food.
The Win
Guests feel welcomed and valued.
Events feel organised, joyful and well prepared.
The environment supports connection and encounter.
When we serve with excellence, events become moments that people remember for years to come.
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Welcome Home Lunch
Catering Guidelines - READ HERE -
1. What time do I need to arrive?
Arrival time will vary depending on the event.
You will be notified in advance of your call time, which is usually well before guests arrive to allow for setup, food preparation and team briefing.
Being on time ensures the event starts calmly and runs smoothly.
2. Do I serve every Sunday?
No. The Events Catering Team serves at special events such as:
Welcome Home Lunches
Easter and Christmas services
Momentum Summit and conferences
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations
Team events and parties
BaptismsServing is event-based rather than weekly.
3. Will I be responsible for handling money?
Some events may involve payments, ticketing or float handling.
If you are assigned to a role involving money, you will receive clear instruction on the process and never be left unsure. Integrity and accuracy are important, and support will always be available.
4. Do I need catering or hospitality experience?
Not necessarily.
A willing heart, flexibility and a servant attitude are most important. You will learn by serving alongside experienced team members.
5. What if the event plan changes last minute?
That can happen.
Events often require flexibility. Stay calm, communicate clearly and follow the direction of the team leader. A positive attitude makes all the difference.
6. What if I can’t serve at an event I’ve committed to?
Please let the team leader know as early as possible so we can organise cover.
Clear communication helps the whole team prepare well.
7. What are my food safety responsibilities?
You are expected to:
Follow hygiene standards
Wash hands regularly
Store food properly
Monitor temperatures where required
Keep preparation and serving areas clean
Food safety protects everyone.
8. What happens after the event?
We finish strong.
This may include:
Clearing tables
Packing decorations and signage
Cleaning preparation areas
Storing or disposing of leftover food correctly
Returning borrowed equipment
Leaving the venue clean and reset
Pack down is part of serving.
9. What if I feel overwhelmed during an event?
That’s normal, especially during large events.
Stay calm, communicate with your team leader and remember you are not serving alone. We work as a team and support one another.
10. Why does this team matter?
Events create memories. They build belonging. They often open doors for connection and conversation.
When we serve with excellence, warmth and flexibility, we help create moments that people remember long after the event is over.
Safety
Creating a safe, welcoming and well-organised environment is one of the most important ways we care for people, especially during larger events where attendance, movement and activity levels are higher than usual.
Safety is not just policy, it is pastoral. It is loving people well by preventing harm before it happens.
All Volunteers Should:
Know the emergency evacuation procedures
Know how to report incidents, hazards or injuries immediately
Have their Blue Card linked to hm church (where required)
Follow Safe Ministry expectations
Follow food safety and hygiene standards
If you see something unsafe, act or report it straight away.
Specifically for Events Catering Team
Because events often involve food service, external vendors and higher foot traffic, extra awareness is required.
Team members must:
Keep walkways, entrances and exits clear at all times
Monitor cables, power leads and generator access for food trucks
Handle hot food and beverages safely
Clean spills immediately to prevent slips
Use knives, utensils and preparation tools safely
Store food correctly and monitor temperature requirements
Supervise children appropriately around food and equipment
Never attempt to repair electrical or catering equipment without approval
Remain calm and alert during busy periods
Events can be fast-paced. Staying observant protects everyone.
In the Event of an Incident
Notify a team leader immediately
Complete any required incident report
Assist calmly if requested
Do not attempt to manage serious situations alone
Emergency Contacts:
Darren Lockwood: 0412 378 561

