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

Assistant 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

Assistant 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

Reflection: Sunday 30th June - Fifth Sunday after Trinity - and for the week ahead:

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 8.7-15

If the willingness is there the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

Our desire is not for others to be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there should be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need.

In the decades after the resurrection of Jesus there was a devastating famine, causing terrible suffering, particularly in Jerusalem. Paul is writing to the various churches to ask for their support for their starving fellow Christians.

Whereas the Corinthians were slow to respond, when the much poorer Christians in Macedonia heard what was happening in Jerusalem they gave all they could, actually contributing more than  the relatively wealthy Corinthians.

It is a fact that people who have very little themselves are often the most generous givers. We cannot claim to be ignorant of the many desperately needy in our own society and elsewhere. As Paul says, we are not called to impoverish ourselves through our giving, but we are called to give what we can to help those less fortunate than ourselves. The fact that we cannot answer every call for help is not a reason to do nothing.

‘Freely you have received, freely give’ ( Matt.10.8)

Revd Rosemary

“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 JUNE:

Sunday 2nd - First Sunday after Trinity

8 am Holy Communion

10 am  All Age Communion

5 pm Choral Evensong

Sunday 9th - Second Sunday after Trinity

8 am 1662 BCP Holy Communion

10 am Morning Worship

Sunday 15th - Third Sunday after Trinity

8 am Holy Communion

10 am Sung Eucharist

Saturday 22nd 

4 pm 'Connect Four' Famiy Service at the Mission Church, Sandhurst TN18 5JU

Sunday 23rd - Fourth Sunday after Trinity

8 am Holy Communion 

10 am BENEFICE SUNG EUCHARIST AT ST NICHOLAS, SANDHURST (Vicki Young's last service prior to ordination)

Sunday 30th  -  Fifth Sunday after Trinity

8 am Benefice 1662 BCP Holy Communion at St Nicholas 

10 am Benefice Holy Communion at St George's 

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 Mondays and Fridays and at the Mission Church, Back Road, Sandhurst TN18 5JU at 8am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays