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

Reflection:  Sunday, 23rd November - 'Christ the King' - and for the week ahead:

Scripture: 

There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ (Luke 23:38-43)

Reflection:

This Sunday is the end of the church year; it is marked by the feast of “Christ the King”. Luke’s Gospel speaks of Jesus being crucified; of there being a sign on the cross saying, “the King”; and of one of the others saying, “remember me when you come into your kingdom”.

It cost Jesus so much to show us this new kind of kingdom. It cost him his life. What is the cost you have to pay to enter this kingdom, this paradise? Nothing! Jesus freely gave his life for you; for your atonement – so you could be “at one” with God. As we mark the feast of Christ the King, recognise that in the Cross is shown the power of our King.

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 2nd November - All Saints' Day

8am - Holy Communion 

10 am - All Age Communion

7.30 pm - Commemmoration of the Faithful Departed

Sunday 9th November - Remembrance Sunday 

8 am - 1662 BCP Holy Communion 

10.45 am - Service of Remembrance - followed by wreath laying at the War Memorial 

Sunday 16th November - The Second Sunday before Advent

8 am Holy Communion

10 am Sung Eucharist

Sunday 23rd November - Christ the King

8 am - Holy Communion 

10 am - Morning Worship

Sunday 30th November - Advent Sunday

8 am - Benefice Holy Communion at St George's 

10 am - Benefice Holy Communion at St Nicholas, Sandhurst

5 pm, - Advent Carol Service at St George's

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.)