A Chesham-based volunteer who has racked up hundreds of hours serving her local church has been recognised for her achievements.

Julie Dziegiel, who is a former chartered accountant, has been the treasurer at her local place of worship since 2002.

She is also a frequent visiter to the town's St Mary's Church. 

In recognition of her distinguished service to the church, Julie was installed as an honorary lay canon during a service at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford on Sunday, February 4.

The awards recognise the dedication of lay and ordained people to the Diocese of Oxford and the wider church across a variety of areas of ministry and mission.

This includes roles supporting theological education in the worldwide Anglican Communion, the deaf and hard of hearing in the diocese, and community organising and church growth.

Julie Patricia Dziegiel from Diocese of Oxford on Vimeo.

Speaking on her installation as honorary lay canon, Julie said: “There are people who work just as hard doing stuff that is just as important, who do not get these honours.

"I am not unusual, what I do is unusual because of my skills, but the fact that people do as much as I do is not unusual.

“I am delighted, possibly a little bemused but it is lovely. What I do is, I wait for the Lord to put work on my desk and then I get on with it. Not only does he give me things to do, he makes me fascinated by them.”

Julie, who lives in Chesham, was also part of the national church steering committee which worked on the recent Cathedrals Measure.

The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, said: “What a blessing to celebrate the contribution of so many talented and dedicated people within the diocese.

“It is an absolute pleasure to thank these wonderful people for all they have done and continue to do in service of the church.”

“Their efforts are a shining example of God’s love in action.”

As well as serving her local parish, Julie became treasurer of the Deanery of Amersham in 2010.