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 30th November - The First Sunday of Advent - and for the week ahead:

Scripture: 

Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Isaiah 2.2- 4)

Reflection:

This vision of a peaceful future, where peoples and nations will live together in peaceful coexistence and where even training for warfare is abolished and weapons are turned into farming implements, feels very far away at this precise moment.

As we look back into history, we can see that many periods in the past were also marked by great uncertainty or worse. Even though we might not feel it, statistically the world has actually become a safer and more peaceful place.

But Isaiah’s vision is not only for peace, but also for a time when people will turn to God, eager to learn the right peaceful ways to live from Him and to ‘walk in his paths.’

As this week marks the start of Advent, the time when we are waiting; waiting for the birth of the Saviour, Jesus Christ, waiting for new life and new hope to be born in our hearts and in our world, maybe this vision of peace can give us sustenance.

Revd Ylva 

“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 AT ST GEORGE'S

Sunday 7th December - The Second Sunday of Advent 

8am - Holy Communion 

10 am - All Age Communion

Sunday 14th Decenver - The Third Sunday of Advent 

8 am - 1662 BCP Holy Communion 

10 am - Morning Worship

Friday 19th December

2.30 pm - BPS Christmas Service 

Sunday 21st December - The Fourth Sunday of Advent 

8 am - Holy Communion

10 am - Sung Eucharist

Monday 22nd December

7.30 pm - Parish Carol Service

Wednesday 24th December - CHRISTMAS EVE

3 pm - Crib Service 

11.30 pm - The First Communion of Christmas 

Thursday 25th December - CHRISTMAS DAY

8 am - Holy Communion

10 am - Morning Worship followed by Holy Communion 

Sunday 28th December - The First Sunday of Christmas 

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.)