Clergy

Rector: Revd David Commander is the Rector of the Benefice of Benenden and Sandhurst. He originally trained and worked as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer for 28 years. He served his curacy at St James's, Tunbridge Wells, before moving to Benenden in October 2013.  He and his wife, Helen, have two daughters, two grandsons, a grandaughter, and an extremely friendly dog, Barney.

T: 01580 240658    M: 07710 416978    revdavidcommander@gmail.com   

The Rectory, The Green, Benenden, Kent TN17 4DL

Associate Priest: Though she was born in London, Rev. Rosemary Kobus van Wengen has spent most of her adult life abroad, teaching in schools and universities in Uganda and The Netherlands. She was ordained in 2001 in Canterbury Cathedral, and since then has served as a non-stipendiary priest (now ‘retired’, with Permission to Officiate) in Benenden and Sandhurst. Besides a passion for parish ministry her interests include art and literature, handwork and gardening.  rosemaryvanwengen@gmail.com

Associate Priest: Rev. Ylva Blid-Mackenzie was born and raised in Sweden, moving  to Kent in 1996. She finished her theological studies at St Augustine's College in May 2020 and then served her Title  Post in Benenden and Sandhurst with the Revd. David.  She trained as a Landscape Architect and runs Madrona Nursery with her husband Liam. They have three sons, two border collies and some chickens.

T: 01233 820100    M: 07766 711957    rev.ylva@gmail.com

Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 15th December - The Third Sunday of Advent - & for the week ahead:

Scripture: 

Luke 3.10-14 - John the Baptist is preaching aboutrepentance
And the crowds asked him, ‘So what should we do?’ He replied ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and the same goes for anyone who has plenty of food’. Even tax-collectors came to be baptised, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He answered ‘Collect no more than the amount which is due’. Soldiers also asked him, ‘And what about us, what should we do?’ He said ‘Don’t extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages’.

Reflection

John tells the crowds that repentance is not just about regret for past wrong actions and attitudes, but involves radical changes in life style. Significantly, he does not tell the hated, despised tax collectors or the greedy, bullying soldiers to change their jobs, but to be changed themselves. He teaches them that whatever their daily work, they honour God by doing it honestly and with integrity.
Whoever we are, whatever our situation, our work, our character, our abilities, these words are for all of us. God is honoured not only in grand projects and endeavours, but in the practical working out of of our faith in the ordinariness and the challenges of every day life.

Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen 

“Services” and Prayer:

Please make use of the beautiful quiet space in St. George's Church any day for individual private prayer; prayer resources are available. 

UPCOMING SERVICES IN DECEMBER

Sunday 1st - First Sunday of Advent

8 am Holy Communion

10 am  All Age Communion

5 pm Advent Service of Light

Sunday 8th - Second Sunday of Advent

8 am 1662 BCP Holy Communion

10 am Morning Worship

Sunday 15th - Third Sunday of Advent 

8 am Holy Communion

10 am Sung Eucharist

Tuesday 17th

7.30 pm Parish Carol Service

Friday 20th 

2.30 pm Benenden Primary School Christmas Service  

Sunday 22nd - Fourth Sunday of Advent

8 am Holy Communion 

10 am Morning Worship

Tuesday 24th - CHRISTMAS EVE

3 pm Crib Service

11.30 pm First Communion of Christmas 

Wednesday 25th - CHRISTMAS DAY

8 am Holy Communion

10am Morning Worship followed by Holy Communion

Sunday 29th - First Sunday of Christmas

10 am Benefice Holy Communion

Mid-week Communion: Every Tuesday at the Mission Church, Back Road, Sandhurst TN18 5JU

Morning Prayer takes place at St George's at 8am on Monday and Friday and at the Mission Church, Back Road, Sandhurst TN18 5JU at 8am on Tuesday and Wednesday each week. (NB During the school holidays Wednesday Morning Prayer is at St George's.)