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 11th October - The Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity - and for the week ahead:

Scripture:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4 4-9)

Reflection:

Paul reminds us that what we think about can have a big effect on how we live. He encourages us to fill our minds with things that are true, good, pure, kind and worthy of praise.

This can be difficult when our minds are filled with worries, fears or negative thoughts. But Paul encourages us not simply to think differently, but to put our faith into practice. The things we learn about God are meant to shape the way we live, the way we treat others and the choices we make each day.Christian peace does not mean that life will always be easy or free from trouble. Instead, it means knowing that God is with us in the middle of it all.

So today, perhaps we can bring one worry to God in prayer, choose to focus on what is good, and ask God to help us live out our faith. 

As Paul reminds us: “The God of peace will be with you.”

Lyn Hayes, ALM

UPCOMNG SERVICES:

Sunday 4th October - The Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity

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

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

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

Sunday 11th October -  The Nineteenth 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 18th October -  The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity

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

10 am - Sung Eucharist - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 24th October The Twentyfirst Sunday after Trinity

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

10 am - Morning Worship 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.)