Our Team
Rev. Anne Tolland
Minister
My name is Anne Tolland and I have been minister in Newtownbreda (St Johns) Presbyterian Church since 2013, having served in Cairncastle Presbyterian Church for 12 Years.
I have enjoyed watching the children in the congregation grow up, getting to know the young families and spending time with the older members, all part of the church family and consider being a parish minister a great privilege.
Through partnership with Ballynafeigh Clergy Fellowship and Ormeau Churches Together, we enjoy close and valued relationships with the other denominations and local churches and see this as a very important part of our identity and witness.
As a community committed church, our doors are open to everyone in the neighbourhood, whether a community lunch or a pizza night – there is a welcome for all and I hope you will stop by to say hello.
Rev. Janice Browne
Pastoral Care Team
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.
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.