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 6th October Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity - and for the week ahead:

Scripture

13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ 16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. (Mark 10.13-16)

Reflection

Why were people bringing their children to Jesus? More likely than not, they were brought to him to say goodnight and so that he could bless them. Maybe they were the children of the house where Jesus and his disciples were staying? The disciples probably felt that this was taking up Jesus’ precious time, but this made Jesus angry! The children clearly mattered to him.

He is using the little child as an example of those who possess no earthly power, are free of the trappings of material wealth and influential friends. This is how we must become: trusting and open to receive God’s blessing.

Yesterday, as we were singing the last hymn, ‘Tell out my soul’, a little girl was dancing! She was participating with her whole being in our worship. This is the spirit in which Jesus wants us to become like little children, giving ourselves wholly over to God. When we do so, His Kingdom breaks in. Let this week be one for you, when you have at least one moment where you give yourself fully over to God, just like a little child!

“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 OCTOBER:

Sunday 6th - Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity

8 am Holy Communion

10 am  All Age Communion

5 pm Choral Evensong

Sunday 13th - TwentiethSunday after Trinity

8 am 1662 BCP Holy Communion

10 am Morning Worship

Sunday 20th - Twentyfirst Sunday after Trinity

8 am Holy Communion

10 am Sung Eucharist

Sunday 27th - Bible 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.)