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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.
Full details regarding the 'Restore: Renew: Rejoice' project currently underway at St George's can be found here: https://stgeorgeschurchbenenden.co.uk/
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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 3rd May April - The Fifth Sunday of Easter - and for the week ahead:
Scripture:
TO FOLLOW
Reflection:
Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen
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'Rector's Letter': April 2026 - Please click this link: /content/pages/documents/rectors-letter-april-2026.pdf
Updates and photos re the Restore, Renew Rejoice project are here: /content/pages/documents/rrr-update_1_29-january-2026.pdf /content/pages/documents/rrr-update_2_5-february-2026.pdf /content/pages/documents/rrr-update_3_20th-february-2026.pdf /content/pages/documents/rrr-update_4_with-qr-code-8th-march-2026.pdf /content/pages/documents/rrr-update_5_20th-march-2026.pdf
UPCOMNG SERVICES IN MAY
Sunday 3rd May - The Fifth Sunday of Easter
8 am - Holy Communion - in the Chancel at St George's
10 am - All Age Holy Communion - at Benenden Primary School
Sunday 10th May - The Sixth Sunday of Easter
8 am - 1662 BCP Holy Communion - in the Chancel at St George's
10 am - Morning Worship - at Benenden Primary School
Thursday 14th May - Ascension Day
7.30 pm - Ascension Day Service at St Nicholas, Sandhurst
Sunday 17th May - The Seventh Sunday of Easter
8 am - Holy Communion - in the Chancel at St George's
10 am - Sung Eucharist - at Benenden Primary School
Sunday 24th May - Pentecost
8 am - Holy Communion - in the Chancel at St George's
10 am - Holy Communion - at Benenden Primary School
Sunday 31st May - Trinity Sunday
8 am - Benefice BCP Holy Communion - in the Chancel at St George's
10 am -Benefice Service at St Nicholas, Sandhurst
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.)
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