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Giving to Caesar and to God
By JULIANNE WU
© St. Petersburg Times,
Besides preaching to or counseling his congregation at Seminole United Methodist Church, on any given morning he might be talking on his cell phone to contractors or surveying the progress at his 111-year-old church, where an extensive $500,000 renovation effort is under way. "We're pretty much finished with the sanctuary," said Denmark recently, "but we've got lots to do on the offices, pastor's study and youth room." In addition, Denmark is a board member for the Greater Seminole Area Chamber of Commerce, chaplain for the Seminole Fire Rescue Department, member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains and coordinator of the Pinellas County Chaplains Response Team, which assists the county in various emergencies. Also, Denmark was busy in the past month with wedding preparations for his son John and Shelly Ann Borde. Denmark officiated at their nuptials July 7 at Seminole United Methodist Church. Denmark, who has been an assistant or a pastor in Lubbock, Texas, West Palm Beach, Miami, Homosassa and other parts of Florida, said of his chamber membership: "Wherever I have been, I've joined the chamber. It is a connection with the people and I feel, as a clergyman, I should be involved. The people in the Seminole chamber are wonderful." He became chaplain for the Seminole Fire Rescue Department in 1998, after officiating at the funeral of a dear friend who was a fire chaplain in Jacksonville. * * * Name: John E. Denmark Age: 52 Residence: Oakhurst Shores in Seminole Position: Pastor, Seminole United Methodist Church Family Status: He and wife, Susan, will observe 30th anniversary Aug. 7; Susan is director of children's ministry at the church; two daughters, Emily and Carolyn, and son, John. Education: B.A., Florida Southern College, Lakeland; master of divinity, Emory University, Atlanta; working on doctorate through Boston University How long in Seminole: Since June 1993 Biggest accomplishment: Chairman of Seminole High's School Advisory Council Committee for "4 x 4" program, which allows students to take four 90-minute classes a day and finish four subjects in a semester rather than a year. Future project: To remain active in Seminole chamber, but said: "My future goals are here at the church. I want to see this church grow and include more young people." How do you relax? Plays tennis two or three times a week, Seminole Lake Tennis Center, golfs occasionally, goes on dates with his wife whenever he can. Favorite book: Bible, church-related books Favorite movie: Life is Beautiful with Oscar winner Robert Benigni. "I loved the humor and even in an event so tragic, he (Benigni) remained so positive." Favorite Web site: The one he set up at his church: http://www.sumconline.org. Other interesting fact: Born in Honolulu, but grew up in Florida
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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From the Times South Pinellas desks |
