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 14th December - The Third Sunday of Advent - and for the week ahead:

Scripture:    

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. (James 5: 7-8)

Reflection:    

At this time of year many people are aware it’s advent. This can mean counting down the days until Christmas Day on calendars, whether the chocolate, perfume or pet variety. For the young, or young at heart, the idea of being patient is the most challenging thing imaginable. The commercial aspect of Christmas starts nice and early, and threatens to overwhelm the meaning of advent. This is a time for quiet, calm, reflection, as we get ourselves ready for the best birthday ever. The outside world tries to counter this, encouraging us to cram our calendars with social events we’ve been missing, or avoiding all year. School, family and friend commitments suddenly seem to breed, leaving little room to remember to stop and be ready. We’re impatient for the presents and visits, or perhaps for the calm after the storm once Christmas and Boxing Day have passed. This week, just stop, and try to remember what the busyness is for. The coming of the Lord will be so incredible my words won’t do it justice. Stop and imagine that, and think what you can do to be ready.

Victoria Bray   

“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

1.45 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.)