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 30th August - The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity - and for the week ahead:

Scripture:

“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)

Reflection:

Paul gives us a simple but powerful message: love should be real.

It’s easy to say, “I love you,” but genuine love is about more than words. It means caring for people, helping when we can, forgiving when we are hurt, and standing alongside others when life is difficult.

Jesus showed us what this kind of love looks like. He cared for the hungry, comforted those who were sad, welcomed people who were rejected, and gave His life for us. His love was not just something He talked about—it was something He lived.

Paul also tells us to “hold fast to what is good.” Real love doesn’t ignore things that hurt people. Instead, it chooses kindness, honesty, forgiveness and goodness.

Loving like Jesus isn’t always easy. But as we allow God’s love to fill our hearts, we can share that love with others.

Lyn Hayes ALM

UPCOMNG SERVICES:

Sunday 2nd August - The Ninth Sunday after Trinity

8 am - Benefice Holy Communion - at St Nicholas, Church, Sandhurst (no 8 am service in Benenden this Sunday)

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

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

Sunday 9th August -  The Tenth 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 16th August -  The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity

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

10 am - Sung Eucharist - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 23rd August - The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity

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

10 am - Holy Communion - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 30th August - The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity

10 am - Benefice Holy Communion - at St Nicholas Church, Sandhurst (no 8 am service in Benenden this Sunday)

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.)