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 7th December - The Second Sunday of Advent - and for the week ahead:

Scripture: 

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”  (Matthew 3.1-3)

Reflection:

Jesus’ cousin John was born before Jesus. In his birth and life he proclaimed himself as preparing the way – a way, a path, that requires us to clear away the obstructions that get in the way of peace of heart and mind; admitting to ourselves and to God the things that are troubling us. We are preparing to celebrate the assurance given by the birth of a baby that God is with us, not against us. We are also looking to prepare ourselves for a fuller experience of the Kingdom, any time. No need to wait!

David Harmsworth 

“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.)