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 22nd February and for the week ahead:

Scripture     

'Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour;  and he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.’   Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! for it is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”’ ' Matthew 4.8-10

Reflection 
When we are children, when asked what we want to be when we grow up, we might answer: “King (or Queen) of the whole world.” It seems so delicious to rule supreme! And here the devil offers this very opportunity to Jesus – on condition that He, Jesus, falls down and worships Satan. But how could pure goodness subject itself to pure evil?

We might not be tempted with the prospect of being world rulers, but we are often, whether young or old, tempted to sell out. Just a small lie, or a little bit of obfuscation to make our life so much more convenient - surely no one will notice? But we ourselves know, and God knows, that we have not been true to our best self, that we have damaged that image of God that lives in our hearts.

This week marks the start of Lent, a period when many turn to self-examination and acts of kindness. Why not use these weeks leading up to Easter to turn to God and to do something for others. For it is in serving others that we “serve only him”.

Revd Ylva

'Rector's Letter': February 2026: /content/pages/documents/rectors-letter-february-2026.pdf

The January 'Rector's Letter' including details of the Restore, Renew Rejoice project and the temporary closure of St George's can be found here: /content/pages/documents/benenden-rector-s-letter_january-2026.pdf

UPCOMING SERVICES AT ST GEORGE'S

Sunday 1st February - The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

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

10 am - All Age Communion - at Benenden Primary School

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

Sunday 8th February - The Second Sunday before Lent 

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

10 am - Morning Worship - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 15th February - The Sunday before Lent 

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

10 am - Sung Eucharist - at Benenden Primary School

Ash Wednesday 18th February

7.30 pm - Benefice Ashing Service - at St Nicholas Sandhurst

Sunday 22nd February - The First Sunday of Lent

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

10 am - Morning Worship- at Benenden Primary School

NB On Monday 19th January extensive building work commenced at St George's. This is estimated to take approximately nine months. 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 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.)