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 20th July - the Fifth Sunday after Trinity - and for the week ahead:

Scripture:

^10.38 Now as they went on their way, he [Jesus] entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. ³⁹She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. ⁴⁰But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ ⁴¹But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; ⁴²there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’ (Luke 10:38-end)

Reflecton: 

Both Mary and Martha loved Jesus. Apart from being devout followers of Jesus, he had also brought their brother, Lazarius, back to life; they loved Jesus, they cared for him. They were both serving Jesus that day, just in very different ways. Mary was sitting listening to Jesus; Martha was busy, busy, busy doing things for Jesus. And Jesus says to Martha, that Mary has chosen the better thing to do; which, on first reading, sounds a bit harsh! Jesus doesn’t blame Martha for being really concerned about all the household chores – after all, they need doing; they are important. All he is asking her to do is to consider her priorities.

She hadn’t realised that in her desire to serve – by “doing” – she has forgotten to just “be” and listen to Jesus. Are you so busy doing things for Jesus that you are neglecting spending time with Jesus?

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 27th JULY - The Sixth Sunday after Trinity:

8 am - Holy Communion 

10 am - Morning Worship & Baptism 

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.)