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

Reflection: Sunday 25th October - Bible Sunday - and for the week ahead:

Scripture:
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Colossians 3:12-14 & 16a)

Reflection:
This Sunday is “Bible Sunday”; the Church focuses and gives thanks for the word of God in the Bible. But with so many translations and transliterations, it is often said, “How can I know this is the true word?” There are many, many beautiful pieces of scripture in the Bible; this piece from Paul’s letter to the Colossians being a good example. But there are also many parts of the scripture where it can be difficult to respond, “Thanks be to God.” Think of some parts of the Old Testament where there seem to be distinctly un-Christian sentiments, and some large parts dealing with Temple practices that seem irrelevant now.
Two things to hold onto. Firstly, I believe the Word of God is living and dynamic; written for a purpose; it needs to be read, interpreted, and applied in our time, rather than being taken as absolute. Secondly, hear v16 again: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Let Christ be your reference for a better understanding of God rather than getting lost in bewildering accounts of battles, bloodshed, sacrifices, and liturgical practices.
The important thing is to pick up your Bible, read it, and let the word of Christ make its home in your heart.

Revd David 

UPCOMNG SERVICES:

Sunday 4th October - The Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity

8 am - Holy Communion - in the Chancel at St George'

10 am - All Age Holy Communion - at Benenden Primary School

5 pm - Evening Prayer - in the Chancel at St George's

Sunday 11th October -  The Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity

8 am - 1662 BCP Holy Communion - in the Chancel at St George's

10 am - Morning Worship - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 18th October -  The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity

8 am - Holy Communion - in the Chancel at St George's

10 am - Sung Eucharist - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 25th October - Bible Sunday 

8 am - Holy Communion - in the Chancel  at St George's

10 am - Morning Worship at Benenden Primary School

Extensive building work is currently underway at St George's. During this time all Sunday services will be held as follows:  8 am Sunday Holy Communion - in the Chancel at St George's. 10 am Sunday Services - at Benenden Primary School.   Special Services will take place at St Nicholas, Sandhurst, unless indicated otherwise. 

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

Morning Prayer takes place at the Rectory 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 the Rectory.)