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 4^th January – Epiphany – and for the week ahead:

Scripture: 
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’
When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 1:1-2, 10-11)

​​​​​​​Reflection:
The coming of the “Messiah” had been promised in the Hebrew scriptures for centuries. But it wasn’t the priests who first came to see this incredible event, it was humble shepherds out on the hills looking after their sheep. The priests, from the holy city of Jerusalem (only three miles away) don’t get a mention in the story of the birth of Jesus. The next group to visit are the Magi – “the three wise men”. They are not Hebrews, but they had studied the scriptures. They come seeking this incredible event. And when they find Jesus – the Messiah – they are overwhelmed with joy; they worship him; they bring him gifts.
What about us today: Are we seeking Jesus? Do we worship him? Do we give him the gift of our time to serve him? Or do we expect Him to come and show himself to us? May today be your “Epiphany”; your time of realising the importance of Jesus in your life.

Revd David

“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 4th January - Epiphany

8am - Holy Communion 

10 am - All Age Communion

Sunday 11th January - The Baptism of Christ 

8 am - 1662 BCP Holy Communion 

10 am - Morning Worship

Sunday 18th January - The Second Sunday of Epiphany

8 am - Holy Communion

10 am - Sung Eucharist

NB On Monday 19th January extensive building work at St George's commences. This is estimated to take approximately nine months. 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. 

Sunday 25th January  - The Third Sunday of Epiphany

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

10 am - Morning Worship- at Benenden Primary School

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.)