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 22nd March - The Fifth Sunday of Lent - and for the week ahead:

Scripture: 

John11.38-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”So they took away the stone…Then Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Reflection:

In John’s Gospel Jesus’s miracles are described as ‘signs’. They are like signposts, pointing to Jesus as the divine Son of God, with power and authority over nature and death itself. Yet some of those who actually witness Lazarus emerging from the tomb are so outraged at Jesus not conducting himself according to their rules and their authority that they make up their minds to have him killed. It was bad enough that he healed the sick and restored sight to the blind, but now he is actually raising the dead to life.This cannot be allowed! He must be stopped, once and for all.

They did indeed kill him. But as we know, that was not the end. Far from it. Lord, save us from obstinacy and hardness of heart. Give us faith and humility, and open our eyes and hearts to receive your blessings which are ‘more than we can either imagine or desire’.

Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen 
 

'Rector's Letter': February 2026: /content/pages/documents/rectors-letter-february-2026.pdf

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 March - The Second Sunday of Lent

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 March - The Third Sunday of Lent 

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

10 am - Morning Worship - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 15th March - Mothering Sunday

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

10 am - Mothering Sunday Family Communion - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 22nd March - The Fifth Sunday of Lent

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

10 am - Morning Worship- at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 29th March - Palm Sunday

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

10 am - Benefice Palm Sunday Communion - at St Nicholas Church, Sandhurst (Palm Sunday Procession from the Lower Car Park at St Nicholas. Meet at 9.45 am)

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 the Rectory 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 the Rectory.)