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 12th April - The Second Sunday of Easter - and for the week ahead:

Scripture: 

Jesus said to Thomas, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’  (John 20.29)

Thomas trusted Jesus enough to spend some  three years as one of his close followers, but it took a personal encounter with the risen Jesus for him to exclaim ‘My Lord and my God’.  Up to that point he had not trusted his friends when they told him that they had seen the risen Jesus; and he had not been able to trust that God, whom Jesus called his Father, had the situation under control.  Now, he could.

We often speak as though faith in God is about agreeing that this or that is true. But the real issue is about trusting our heavenly Father.

David Harmsworth

'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 APRIL

Wednesday of Holy Week - 1st April 

7.30 pm - Reflective Service - in the Chancel at St George's

Maundy Thursday - 2nd April

7.30 pm - Maundy Thursday Benefice Service - at St Nicholas Church, Sandhurst

Good Friday - 3rd April

10 am - An Hour at the Cross Benefice Service - at St Nicholas Church, Sandhurst

Easter Eve - 4th April 

7.30 pm - Reflective Service - in the Chancel  at St George's

Easter Day - 5th April 

06.05 am - Sunrise Service - in the Churchyard at St Nicholas, Sandhurst followed by breakfast in the Mission Church

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

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

Sunday 12th April - Second Sunday of Easter

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

10 am - Morning Worship - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 19th April - Third Sunday of Easter 

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

10 am - Sung Eucharist - at Benenden Primary School

Sunday 26th April - Fourth Sunday of Easter 

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

10 am - Morning Worship - at Benenden Primary School

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.)