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Staff

Rev. Albin Rankin (Minister)

I am Albin and I am married to Alison and together with our three children, Jared, Shiona and Niamh, we live in East Belfast. I have been involved in teaching and leading in churches for the past 20 years. I took up my current post at Stormont on 31st August 2008. When I have off time I like reading, drinking coffee, meeting friends and drinking more coffee!!

My passion is to see people encounter God, engage with His Word and Spirit and express faith in acts of love in the church, in the community and in the world.

Jonathan Boyd (Student Assistant Minister)

My name's Jonathan, but a lot of my friends call me Jonny, so feel free to address me whatever way you want. I was privileged enough to marry Jane in the summer of 2009 and am getting used to life in East Belfast after spending most of my life in Holywood. I also spent a few years in England, studying Physics at Oxford and working for a church in London called Holy Trinity Lyonsdown. As you might guess, I'm quite interested in the interaction between science and religion and I'm a bit of a geek – I've got quite a selection of board games and subject visitors to them regularly. I also love photography and reading, though my wife tells me I'm not allowed to buy any more until I've read some of the ones I've bought. When I'm not doing any of that, you may well find me cheering on the Ulster rugby or England cricket teams – Jesus cared for the down and outs and I that's an attitude I try to carry through to sport!

Having started as the new Assistant Minister in August 2009, I'm looking forward to three and a half years of learning how to share the love and grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and joining with people as we serve him at home, in church and in the community. If you're visiting us at Stormont, I hope you receive the kind of warm welcome I've enjoyed and benefited from.

Lindsay Witherow (Youth & Children's Worker)

Hi! My name is Lindsay Witherow and I’m the new Youth and Children’s Co-ordinator at Stormont. I grew up in Portstewart and I’ve been working in Youth Ministry for the last three years – in USA, Belfast, England and Coleraine! I’m excited and also a bit daunted about beginning here at Stormont but I’m looking forward to getting to know the young people and congregation over the next weeks and months.

I like American Country music, Gilmore Girls, Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, tea, all things pink and I eat tomato Ketchup with everything! I am passionate about teaching God’s word, discipleship and seeing the Holy Spirit transform lives.

Rev. Bob Cobain (Pastoral Visitor)

I joined the Ministerial Team at Stormont Presbyterian Church in November 2001. The primary focus of my work is to visit the older members of the Congregation and those who are now ‘house bound’.

Members who are cared for in Nursing Homes and those living in Residential Accommodation also come within my pastoral remit. I enjoy my Pastoral Duties and feel privileged to have the opportunity to share warm friendships with many of these older Church members.

My interests include walking, playing golf and I am an active member of the Helen’s Bay Probus Club. I serve on a number of Boards and Committees of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Jonathan Ireland (Director of Music)

As Director of Music at Stormont Presbyterian Church, I help to plan and lead the musical content of Sunday services. I rehearse and direct musical groups in the church. These include the Chancel Choir, made up of some 20 dedicated musicians, who lead the hymn singing on Sundays and often sing an anthem or introit; Cantemus, Stormont’s chamber choir, which sings a new and challenging repertoire at 8 to 10 services every year and the Praise Band, made up of young people in the church, who lead the congregational singing for some of the more contemporary hymns.

I strive, along with the ministerial team, to ensure that there is something in every service to suit the taste of every person in the congregation. I am privileged to lead music that is a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, so playing my part in the vision of building a fully inclusive church.

Gillian Lyons (Administrator)

I am Stormont’s church administrator. I am a member of St Mark’s C. of I. Dundela where I serve as a Rainbow Guide leader. I can be found in the church office – Monday to Friday – from 9.30 am until 12.30 pm.

David Kelly (Youth Worker Intern)

My name is David Kelly I am Stormont’s Youth Worker Intern. I have been a member of Stormont all my life. I enjoy socialising with my friends and spending time with my family. I am going back in September 2009 to Technical College to finish my HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Afterwards I am not sure what will happen but I hope to follow the path that God has laid out for me.

Andrew Hume (Music Intern)

I have been worshipping at Stormont since childhood and have always been passionate about music. I was appointed as the Music Scholar at Stormont in 2008, and will stay in this position until June 2011. I am undergoing instruction in Viola, Piano, Organ and Voice. After finishing my A levels in Music, English Literature, Religious Studies and History, I hope to continue to study Music at University.

Colin Bates (Caretaker)

I am church caretaker, living near the church on Castlehill Road. When not serving God in my work on the church premises, I devote my time to my wife Hazel and my family, and to following the fortunes of Leeds United.

The leaders

Rev. Albin Rankin
Minister

Jonathan Boyd
Student Assistant

Lindsay Witherow
Youth & Children's Worker

Rev. Bob Cobain
Pastoral Visitor

If you wish to meet or speak with one of the leaders please contact our office.