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 for Sunday 11th May and for the week ahead: 

Scripture:

The Jews gathered around Jesus and said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered, ‘I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me’   (John 10.24-25)

Reflection:

The Jews in this Bible extract were trying to work out just where Jesus fitted into their idea of God’s plan. Much of what he said and did accorded with their own ideas, but he was also unsettling them by challenging their practices. They wanted from him a claim to a title. He wanted them to stop scratching at the surface and decide for themselves what his actions told them. 

His reply directs us to think just what we expect of God. Where do we recognise God in action?

“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 AT ST GEORGE'S

SUNDAY 4th MAY - The Third Sunday of Easter:

8am - Holy Communion 

10 am - All Age Communion

SUNDAY 11th MAY - The Fourth Sunday of Easter

8 am - 1662 BCP Holy Communion 

10 am - Morning Worship & VE80 Commemoration Service

SUNDAY 18th MAY - The Fifth Sunday of Easter

8 am Holy Communion

10 am Sung Eucharist

SUNDAY 25th MAY - Rogation Sunday

8 am - Holy Communion 

10 am - Morning Worship

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.)