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 17th August - the Ninth Sunday after Trinity - and for the week ahead:

Scripture:

He also said to the crowds, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, “It is going to rain”; and so it happens.  And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, “There will be scorching heat”; and it happens.  You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?  (Luke 12 54-56)

Reflecton: 

Jesus understood just how adept people were at recognising the subtle changes around them, especially where the weather was concerned. His listeners were likely to be highly sensitive in that respect especially as they were not informed by technology - No TV forecasts in those days. Whether it is the weather, or indeed politics or society, it requires knowledge, experience and skill to interpret the signs around us. It means paying close and patient attention to tiny details, whether that is in the behaviour of small creatures or shifts in public opinion or attitudes. However, interpretation and prediction are no use unless they lead to understanding, action and transformation.
Are you prepared to look at the signs, ask what they mean and live a transformed life with radically renewed priorities? The kingdom is coming and indeed is here - do you need to wake up, look around and get ready for a new chapter?

Lyn Hayes ALM

“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 3rd August - The Seventh Sunday after Trinity:

8am - Holy Communion 

10 am - All Age Communion

5 pm - Choral Evensong 

SUNDAY 10th August - The Eighth Sunday after Trinity:

8 am - 1662 BCP Holy Communion 

10 am - Morning Worship

SUNDAY 17th August - The Eighth Sunday after Trinity: 

8 am Holy Communion

10 am Sung Eucharist

SUNDAY 24th August - The Ninth Sunday after Trinity:

8 am - Holy Communion 

10 am - Morning Worship

SUNDAY 31st August - The Tenth Sunday after Trinity:  NB A 'Fifth' Sunday of the month:  Benefice services apply -

8 am Holy Communion at St Nicholas Sandhurst 

10 am - Benefice Holy Communion 

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.)