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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.
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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
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Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 18th May & for the week ahead:
Scripture:
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Reflection:
These verses are well-known and inspiration for poems, hymns and artwork in the Christian faith. Many people, even those without faith, know this commandment. But what does it actually mean?
Reflecting on VE Day last week, we remembered those who fought against “the enemy”. This enemy was very real and very frightening, causing distress, panic and death. How could those people be asked to love this person? But that’s exactly what Jesus orders us to do. It’s not a polite suggestion or a small favour, it’s an order. You may struggle to feel love for the person who bullied you in school, or the first love that abandoned you for someone else. But love really sets us free. Families who have had loved ones taken away from them often forgive the murderer.
We may not have such dramatic circumstances, but maybe we can show love through kindness and patience. Having worked in customer service, I noticed that when I held my peace and stayed firm but calm, it’s harder for people to remain angry. Instead of getting impatient when being served at a shop or when driving, show kindness and empathy to others. We can all show love to others. It’s not a special skill we have to learn, it’s part of who we are. Maybe Jesus was onto something after all.
Victoria Bray
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“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 MAY - The Third Sunday of Easter:
8am - Holy Communion
10 am - All Age Communion
SUNDAY 11th MAY - The Fourth Sunday of Easter
8 am - 1662 BCP Holy Communion
10 am - Morning Worship & VE80 Commemoration Service
SUNDAY 18th MAY - The Fifth Sunday of Easter
8 am Holy Communion
10 am Sung Eucharist
SUNDAY 25th MAY - Rogation Sunday
8 am - Holy Communion
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 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.)
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