Barbara Haddon
Biography:
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Born in Phoenix, Arizona, only child of Bill and Claudine Johnson (who are current Orangewood Presbyterian Members) |
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Attended and graduated from Madison #2 Elementary School and Camelback High School, Phoenix, Arizona |
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Graduate of University of Denver, Denver, Colorado with a BA in Special Education; University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii with an ME degree in Special Education; and Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado, with a Masters of Divinity. |
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Married Bob Haddon in 1967 |
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Daughters: Debbie, born 1970 and Tina, born 1972 |
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Faith Presbyterian Church, Sun City, Arizona (joined the staff as student intern summer of 1978). Ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament Feb. 3, 1980, in that church. * |
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Orangewood Presbyterian Church, Phoenix, Arizona, * Hired as Assistant Pastor, after 9 months, called as Associate Pastor, June 1980 - June 1992. |
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First Presbyterian Church, San Luis Obispo, California, June 1992 - July 2001. |
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Pastor First Presbyterian Church, Sherman Oaks, California, August 2001 - Present |
Reasons for Serving God as Minister:
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I first felt called
to the ordained ministry when I was 12 years old. Discouraged by family members
and church professionals, I deferred my goal into adulthood. When I finally
began seminary, it was with the goal of becoming a Christian Educator. However,
within the first quarter of my time there, I was challenged by a Presbyterian
career counselor/minister, to change degree tracks and seek ordination. I
followed the advice, and have never regretted the decision. I most enjoy the
preaching, teaching, and pastoral care; however, all the aspects of ministry
feel like a match for my gifts and have drawn me into an increasing closer
relationship with God and a deepening faith. When asked why I live and serve
where I do, my answer has become, "Because I work for God." The Divine employer
has provided a life filled with surprises, challenges, and joy.
Contributions at Orangewood:
One of my greatest joys at Orangewood was working with the outstanding educational team that was there at the time. (Most of who are still there!) Education for children on Sundays was outstanding; the Adventure Seekers (grades 4 -6) truly enjoyed fun-filled adventures; but the most delightful accomplishment was the Market Place system that was developed for Vacation Church School. Bobbie Darroch and JoGene Hurley were wizards at teacher recruitment and at drawing children. They turned ordinary, functional space into a wonderland of imagination.
The second thing that gave me pleasure was successful recruitment of people-to-task. Nothing delighted me more than helping people to discover, develop and utilize their God-given talents for the benefit of others through the church. We were able to develop a wide variety of programs due to the willing response of volunteers.
Historical/Personal Interest to Current Members:
Dale Bracey gets the credit - the building of Page Hall that enabled multiple events happening at once, and space devoted entirely to music and youth ministry when the original fellowship hall was converted.
The terrific music ministry sustained for so long by Bob and Joyce Page, and then continued by Christopher Samuel.
The stellar job that Barbara Bracey did with youth ministry during the interim between youth pastors.
Working on weddings with Claudie Deen and Marty Acer.
Fun and laughter were hallmarks of the Orangewood era in my life!
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| Bob and Barb |
Barb, Tina, Debbie and Bob on Occasion of Tina's Wedding in July 1996 |
