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

Reflection: Sunday 12th July - The Sixth Sunday after Trinity - and for the week ahead:

Scripture:

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

Reflection:

These verses are a very efficient summary of what it means to be a Christian. The laws of sin and death would mean that without Christ, we would all go to hell for eternal punishment and see no redemption, but that has now all changed. We will live on after death and be free from sin. But this can be a bit distant for us to imagine, and we may not feel connected to sin as a concept. We may not go around stealing, committing extra marital affairs or murdering people. But can you think of a time when you’ve felt embarrassed, sad, disappointed or cheated out of something, like life isn’t fair. The emotions of the men’s football world cup have certainly displayed as many negative emotions as it has positive ones. But imagine being able to share all of those horrible feelings with God. He understands and tells you that you don’t have to feel that way. He can take the pain and hurt you feel and exchange it for freedom and happiness. Imagine that weight off your mind, that sigh of relief. It’s available to everyone, at any time. We only have to ask, and believe.

Victoria Bray 

UPCOMNG SERVICES:

Sunday 5th July - The Fifth Sunday after Trinity

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

10 am - All Age Holy Communion - at Benenden Primary School

5 pm - Evening Prayer - in the Chancel at St George's

Sunday 12th July -  The Sixth Sunday after Trinity

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

10 am - Morning Worship - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday  19th July -  The Seventh Sunday after Trinity

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

10 am - Sung Eucharist - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 26th July - The Eighth Sunday after Trinity

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

10 am - Holy Communion - at Benenden Primary School

Extensive building work is currently underway at St George's. 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.)