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

Assistant 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

Assistant 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 April - The Third Sunday of Easter - and for the week ahead:

Scripture:

Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself.’ (Luke 24.36b-39)

Reflection: 

[Adapted from the Roots resource.]

Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection – the incredible event we celebrated together two weeks ago. Perhaps, even though we know more of the story and the outcome, we are slow learners like the disciples. After the Last Supper, Jesus exclaims to Philip: ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me?’ (John 14:9) And the same is true of the disciple’s reaction to the resurrection. Doubt and fear are their initial reactions to the women’s testimony; to the empty tomb on the Easter morning; to the “Road to Emmaus” story; and to the appearance of Jesus when the disciples were gathered in the locked upper-room. This was despite Jesus’ foretelling what was going to happen! Even in this piece above, Jesus had to demonstrate that he was not a ghost!

What about us? How does God teach us? Or, more pertinently, how do you learn what God wants to teach you?! Is it by repetition? Is it through reading Scripture? Or learning from your mistakes? Or the experience of other Christians?

Maybe a good starting point is just to hear Jesus saying to you, “Peace be with you”….and then wait and see what happens.

Revd David Commander

“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 IN APRIL:

Sunday 7th - Second Sunday of Easter

8 am Holy Communion

10 am  All Age Communion

5 pm Choral Evensong

Sunday 14th - Third Sunday of Easter

8 am 1662 BCP Holy Communion

10 am Morning Worship

Sunday 21st - Fourth Sunday of Easter

8 am Holy Communion

10 am Sung Eucharist

Sunday 28th - Fifth Sunday of Easter

8 am Holy Communion followed by breakfast at the Memorial Hall

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 Mondays and Fridays and at the Mission Church, Back Road, Sandhurst TN18 5JU at 8am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays