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  26th January - The Third Sunday of Epiphany - and for the week ahead:
 

Scripture:

Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ 5He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’ 7The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9.1-9)

Reflection:

In Damascus Ananias, an ‘ordinary’ Christian man, was told by God to go to Paul, heal his blindness and baptise him. Knowing Paul’s reputation and his purpose in coming to Damascus it took enormous faith and courage for Ananias to do this, but he did as God had told him. And the rest is history! Paul went on to become a major figure in the spreading of the Christian faith, both by his indefatigable preaching and by his letters which are still a source of teaching and inspiration to us today . Paul fully believed that he was right, and even that he had God’s authority and approval for his actions. He is neither the first nor the last to claim that God is on his side while committing acts totally contrary to the will of God. What a contrast to Ananias, whose life of faith and prayer allowed God to use him to further His purposes through a totally changed Paul. His humility and courage echo the words of Jesus: ‘Your will, not mine, be done’. Heavenly Father, give us grace to know your will for us, and courage to carry it out.

Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen 

“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 JANUARY

Sunday 5th - Epiphany

8 am Holy Communion

10 am  All Age Communion

5 pm Choral Evensong

Sunday 12th - The Baptism of Christ 

8 am 1662 BCP Holy Communion

10 am Morning Worship

Sunday 19th - The Second Sunday of Epiphany

8 am Holy Communion

10 am Sung Eucharist

Tuesday 26th - The Third Sunday of Epiphany 

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.)