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Noroton Presbyterian Church
NPC is a body of followers of Jesus Christ in Darien, CT. We meet at 2011 Post Road, and have been a congregation since 1863. We've seen many changes since then. As a church family we offer many opportunities to connect, learn, and grow along with our community.
Stuart Smith
Pastor Stuart is celebrating his first year of ministry at Noroton! He and his family moved to Darien in December 2007. Stuart grew up in Dallas, TX where he was very active in his church's youth minstry and began to consider full-time ministry while in junior high. He recognized the Lord continuing to affirm this call while attending Texas Christian University and then at Austin Theological Seminary where he received his Master of Divinity. Stuart has served in churches in Northern California and several parts of Texas. February 29 is an exciting day for Stuart, because it is the anniversary of his ordination. It has taken four years to have his first anniversary!
When Stuart is not spending time with high school and middle school students he enjoys being with his wife Debra, and two sons; Hayden (7) and Micah (5). They enjoy spending time outside, especially at the beach. Stuart spends his free time watching the Dallas Cowboys, running, swimming at the Y, and rebuilding his '74 Bronco (currently in pieces in his garage).
Mike Orr is the son of a Presbyterian pastor, and has lived in New Jersey, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. The summer Mike was 12 he responded to the overwhelming love of God by giving his heart to Jesus. Though the journey hasn't always been a smooth one, he continues to do his best to follow Jesus every day. Mike studied Psychology at Clarion Universtiy of Pennsylvania. After receiving his BA in 2002 he took a postion at a mental health agency and worked with childern and youth who had various challenges. In April 2004 Mike accepted a part-time position here at NPC, moved from PA, and began his ministry here among Middle and High School students.
Mike now lives in Darien, works full-time in Student Ministries, and loves every minute of it. He also volunteers with Young Life, and is and an Assistant Coach for Darien High School Track and Cross Country. Mike is passionate about music, teaching, working with teenagers, and helping students to encounter Jesus in a personal and life changing way. If you can't find him in his office or with kids, it's likely he's on a bicylce (road or mountain), rock climbing, running, playing his guitar, or with his nose in a book. |
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Abby Young has recently joined the Student Ministries Staff at NPC and is so happy to be here! She grew up in New Jersey, and first decided to take her faith seriously on a mission trip to California when she was 15. After finishing high school, she went on to study at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA, and it was there that she felt God calling her into youth ministry. She graduated in May of 2008 with a BA in Youth Ministry and started working at NPC only 3 weeks later!
Abby now lives in Stamford and is looking forward to getting to know all the students at NPC and in Darien. When she’s not in the office or hanging out with kids, Abby is usually outdoors (playing ultimate Frisbee or some other sport…), watching movies, reading a good book, or cooking. Abby also has a passion for mission work, especially in Haiti, which she has had the privilege to visit twice during college. She can’t wait to go back, and loves to talk about it! |
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Lori Nelson is a part-time assistant who works 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the Youth Office. She is an NPC member who enjoys serving her community and church. Married with 3 children, she treasures time with them.
At NPC she has been involved in deacons, youth ministry, Tuesday Morning Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, VWAP, and the Women's Retreat. During 18 years in Darien she has been active in the schools (PTO, CDSP, MFY) and community (DCA, LWV).
She enjoys the somewhat unpredictable nature of youth ministy and is delighted to work with the dedicated NPC staff. |
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