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 27th April (The Second Sunday of Easter) and for the week ahead:

Scripture:

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:26-31)

Reflection:

The apostle John waits until the penultimate chapter to tell us why he wrote his gospel: “….so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.” There is a peacefulness, a gentleness in these words; there is no forcing. And when Thomas expressed his doubts, Jesus responded gently too.

Peace, quiet, gentleness and time are quite restorative. Thomas and the other disciples were transformed by the presence and gentle approach of Jesus as he says to them, “Peace be with you. Do not doubt but believe.” Hear Jesus say those words to you – right now.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” This is written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. Let those gentle but powerful words change your life.

Revd David

“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

NEXT SERVICES: SUNDAY 2TH APRIL - The Second Sunday of Easter:

8am - Holy Communion 

10 am - Morning Worship

5 pm - Patonal Service - Choral Evensong 

Sunday 6th April - The Fifth Sunday of Lent 

8 am - Holy Communion

10 am  - All Age Communion

5 pm - Choral Evensong

Sunday 13th April - Palm Sunday 

8 am - 1662 BCP Holy Communion 

followed by breakfast at the Memorial Hall

9.45 am - Meet at the Memorial Hall for Palm Sunday procession to Church

10 am - Holy Communion 

HOLY WEEK

Monday of Holy Week - 14th

7.30 pm - Reflective Service at Sandhurst Mission Church

Tuesday of Holy Week -15th

7.30 pm - Reflective Service at St George's

Wednesday of Holy Week - 16th

7.30 pm - Reflective Service at Sandhurst Mission Church

Maundy Thursday - 17th

7.30 pm - Service at St George's 

Good Friday - 18th

10 am - An Hour at the Cross

Easter Eve - Saturday 19th

7.30 pm - Service at St George's 

EASTER DAY - Sunday 20th April

5.40 am Sunrise Service at St Nicholas, Sandhurst

followed by breakfast at Sandhurst Mission Church

8 am Holy Communion

10 am Sung Eucharist

Sunday 27th April - Second Sunday of Easter

8 am - Holy Communion 

10 am - Morning Worship

5 pm - Patonal Service - Choral Evensong 

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.)