Meet Our Team
Rev. Paul Lutton
Minister
It is my privilege to minster at St John’s Newtownbreda. We are a congregation that aspires to be large minded and open handed in our love of God and neighbour.
Having grown up in Armagh, I moved to Belfast in the early 2000s to study theology and English at Queen’s. I have called Belfast home ever since!
For about ten years, I taught English at Rockport School in Holywood, before embarking on a call to ministry in 2018.
I have served as elder at Fitzroy Presbyterian Church in South Belfast and as assistant minister at Kirkpatrick Memorial Presbyterian Church in East Belfast. I was called to minister at St. John’s in January 2024.
Aside from my work at St. John’s, I co-lead an organisation called Equal to Lead and write occasionally for a website I run with my wife Emma, called Attention Seekers.
Emma and I are kept busy with our two wonderful children, Esther and Daniel, and our (mostly) wonderful little dog, Marlowe.
Rev Corrina Heron
Ministry ASSOCIATE
I serve as Ministry Associate here at Newtownbreda and I’m passionate about walking alongside people in all seasons of life. An ordained minister, I began my ministry as a youth worker at Lowe Memorial Presbyterian, before serving as Assistant Minister at Cooke Centenary and then as Minister of Dunmurry Presbyterian for almost eight years.
Alongside my role here, I also work as a chaplain in the Mid-Ulster Hospital and Northern Ireland Hospice—expressing my deep commitment to pastoral care in many different settings. I value unity among Christians and actively support reconciliation and ecumenical dialogue in our community. As a qualified teacher, I sometimes cover classes in local secondary schools, enjoying the chance to teach Religious Studies and Modern Languages.
I’m married to Scott, and together we have a blended family of six children—two younger ones, four adult stepchildren—and now a much-loved grandson. A short time living in Spain sparked my love for Spanish culture, especially tapas, music, and dancing. In my free time, I enjoy peaceful walks in nature with our dog, Buttons.
Sandy Kane
Family Worker
I am Sandy Kane and the Family Worker at St. John’s.
Originally from Sweden, I spent most of my school years in South Africa. I first came to Northern Ireland in 2002 when I worked with the Corrymeela Community, then moved here permanently to marry my husband Patrick, and we now have two boys, Zack and Luke.
I love working with families at all ages and stages of life, and from all kinds of backgrounds. It’s encouraging to find the joy in learning and growing together and it’s always an adventure exploring the little and big questions of life, with God’s love at the centre.
Rev. Janice Browne
Pastoral ASSOCIATE
I am Janice Browne and I grew up within the congregation of St. John’s.
I trained as a Primary School teacher and taught for over 20 years; I have always enjoyed very much meeting and engaging with children and young people.
I was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in 2009, serving in congregations in Donegal and Donaghadee. A central part of my ministry has been to engage with everyone- in the congregation and in the community- openly and warmly.
Having retired from full- time ministry in 2021, Tim and I rejoined the congregation and I am delighted to serve as part of the pastoral care team.
Deirdre Harshaw
Musical Director
I am Deirdre Harshaw and I am the Music Director at St Johns. The choir rehearse once a week and enjoy singing a wide range of music- from the classical music of Vivaldi to the more modern anthems of John Rutter. Taize chants, music from the Iona Community and world music feature in our repertoire too. I am keen to encourage and utilise any budding musicians in the congregation, as music is a wonderful way to enhance all aspects of worship.
During the week, I teach Music four days at RBAI (Inst) and one day at Regent Preparatory Department in Newtownards. I take the Jazz Band, accompany the Choir and direct the annual Musicals.