St George's Church, Benenden

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 1st February and for the week ahead:

Scripture

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ 4 And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ 5 His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ (John 2 1-5)

Reflection

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all learn to be a little more like Mary—the first to welcome Jesus into her life and, in that sense, the very first Christian. Everything she does points us toward her Son, drawing our attention to his words and his works. To those in need, her message is simple and powerful: “Do whatever he tells you.”

Here lies the heart of the matter. When Jesus says, “My hour has not yet come,” Mary does not question or challenge him. Instead, she receives his words with grace, trusting completely, and quietly instructs the servants to watch and wait. She understands what we so often forget—God’s timing is not our timing. Jesus’ “hour” was not Mary’s “hour,” yet because she was willing to wait, a miracle unfolded precisely when it was meant to.

Patience, indeed, is a virtue. When we place our trust in the Lord, we learn that all things come to fruition—not according to our schedule, but in God’s perfect time.

Lyn Hayes, ALM

The January 'Rector's Letter' including details of the Restore, Renew Rejoice project and the temporary closure of St George's can be found here: /content/pages/documents/benenden-rector-s-letter_january-2026.pdf

UPCOMING SERVICES AT ST GEORGE'S

Sunday 1st February - The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

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

10 am - All Age Communion - at Benenden Primary School

5 pm - Evening Prayer - in the Chancel at St George's

Sunday 8th February - The Second Sunday before Lent

8 am - 1662 BCP Holy Communion - in the Chancel at St George's

10 am - Morning Worship - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 15th February - The Sunday before Lent

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

10 am - Sung Eucharist - at Benenden Primary School

Ash Wednesday 18th February

7.30 pm - Benefice Ashing Service - at St Nicholas Sandhurst

Sunday 22nd February - The First Sunday of Lent

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

10 am - Morning Worship- at Benenden Primary School

NB On Monday 19th January extensive building work commenced at St George's. 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.

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.)

We aim to be a welcoming, open church community. This website is intended to provide a good guide to our church life. Please see the contact details if you need help or any further information.

Clergy