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St Philip's celebrated our Patronal Festival of St Philip's Day on Sunday May 2 by honouring volunteers who serve on 27 teams, from Altar Guild to Wardens, and who keep St Philip's going even when the church building is closed. 

It is also the tradition of the parish to thank two individuals for their dedicated, long commitment with the award of Steward of St Philip’s. This year, we honour three! 

Parish Council have chosen Ursula Bell. 

Ursula has been an absolute stalwart of the Altar Guild. As past-president and head instructor, Ursula’s careful tutelage and attention to detail reflect her dedication. Ursula served recently on the Re-ordering committee. She has long served as a Lay Administrator, as a member of the Jones Girls, Healing Prayers, helping in fund raising sales, gardening in the Memorial Garden, and ministering to parishioners through Pastoral Care. Ursula’s kindness shows in her active awareness of parishioners in need of support. 

This year Parish Council also chose Mary Pollock. 

Mary has long been involved with the Memorial Garden as head gardener. It is truly a labour of love for her; she is excited about doing work that creates such a beautiful space. For 40 years, Mary has purchased and coordinated the Memorial Flowers given by parishioners to honour someone dear to them. She is a past-president of the Jones Girls, and serves in Healing Prayers, as Lay Administrator, and helps Ursula with Pastoral Care. Mary Pollock is known for her patience and kindness towards all who minister with her. 

This year we have also chosen Mary Lymburner. 

Mary has been involved in many different aspects of Parish Ministry, starting from Church School teacher when her three children were young. Mary helped St Philip's sponsor a young female Kurdish refugee, and then led in the fundraising, applications and settlement for two refugee families, Ethiopian and Syrian. She still actively helps the Syrian family of eight whose first members arrived in September 2018. Mary is co-chair of Outreach which organises Christmas hampers for 20 needy families, among other charities. She is an active member of the Neighbourhood Ministry team that meets people on the street. Mary has served St Philip’s on various teams: Warden & Trustee, Lay Administrator, Reader, Healing Prayers, fundraising sales, and Pastoral Care. In 2018, Mary was awarded the ODNW and recognized as a "Hidden Hero" by Joyce Murray, MP. Truly, Mary Lymburner lives her faith through action. 

We are so grateful for the dedication of these women to our community and beyond. We were delighted to present their awards in-person on Sunday before communion with Philippa in the courtyard.