Latest news with #Danger
Miami Herald
a day ago
- General
- Miami Herald
For 37 years, he made a big impact at this small SoFla church. And drank a lot of coffee
When Hollywood pastor Terry Danger heard a same-sex couple planned to attend his Sunday service for the first time some 15 years ago, he decided to send a clear message. Danger went outside and changed the marquee at St. John's Lutheran Church to read, 'Everyone is welcome.' For long-time congregant and former church council leader Andy Hudson, that small but powerful gesture captured the lead-by-example qualities of Danger, the church's longtime lead pastor who is retiring this month. Hudson credits as him as one of the main reasons he and his wife chose St. John's when they moved to Florida more than 25 years ago. 'I love the fact that they want to participate in life,' Hudson said. 'This is not a come to church on Sunday and then do what you do the rest of the week. It's dude, we're here for all of it.' Danger (pronounced Dang-ger), 78, is retiring this month after 37 years at St. John's. The small church, located in the shadow of I-95 was founded in 1926, making it one of the oldest churches in Broward County. After a hurricane leveled the original building, St. John's members relocated to the current location on Van Buren. Around 1988, St. John's needed renovations and a new pastor willing to put in major work. That's when Danger came into the picture, moving from an inner city church in St. Paul, Minnesota to Hollywood. The church was then gutted and rebuilt to what it is today, including the preschool surrounding the sanctuary. At St. John's, Danger has inspired hundreds over the years to focus on the core tenets of Christianity. 'His message from the pulpit every single week is, what is Christianity about,' said Hudson. 'Jesus said take care of the widows, the orphans, the less fortunate among you. Love each other .. and that's really pretty much the essence of what we believe.' Danger has performed countless baptisms and helped people celebrate all of life's milestones from marriages to funerals. He is renowned for welcoming everyone, even furry friends, to church on Sundays. But Danger is perhaps most admired for his works outside of the church — everything from granting scholarships through Rotary Club of Hollywood to coaching softball at South Broward High School to serving on multiple boards, including the ethics board at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Congregants say he's helped people through their darkest times as a visiting pastor at a drug and alcohol facility. He's sat with people battling serious illness in hospitals and nursing homes, attempting to bring them peace at the end of their lives. He's been known to help friends in the community cut down trees and rebuild parts of their homes after storms. Church where all are welcome On a recent Friday a few weeks before his last service, Danger looked back on his long career as a pastor, which started at a 'little country church' in rural Minnesota 51 years ago. Danger moved to Hollywood in 1987 after the organist from his Minnesota church sold his turkey farm to move to the beach — and invited Danger to become the pastor at St. John's. He and his wife, Jana — a journalist who has worked at various newspapers, including the Miami Herald for over ten years — decided to stay in Hollywood and raise their family. 'He said to them, Well, I actually know a pastor who knows how to work. I'm a country boy. I know how to hammer and nail and do other things,' Danger said. St. John's is a Lutheran church, a group that was the first to split off from the Catholic Church during the Reformation. Many Lutheran churches, including St. John's, are a part of the 'Reconciling in Christ' designation, which means they welcome all people regardless of 'race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, health, faith tradition or economic circumstance,' according to the church's website. The church has a small group of LGBTQ members including one trans woman. As a minister, Danger has married at least one same-sex couple, which happened to be his own son and his partner. 'All people are welcome into God's community, period. We don't choose and we don't kick them out because they may be different,' Danger said. 'Christ didn't discriminate against the women at the well or the Canaanites or the other people. All people are welcome. And that's been the story of faith forever,' Danger said. Diminishing membership Danger isn't afraid to talk about his opinions on the world — outside of the pulpit, of course. But, his opinions on topics like politics (he doesn't care for President Trump) have caused at least one congregant to leave the church. Though, Danger doesn't see his views as particularly political — he's says worried for the state of the world, especially vulnerable populations like LGBTQ people and the rising cost of housing in Florida. But he said he never lets politics seep into his sermons. In fact, Danger said it's delivering the liturgy that he'll miss the most during retirement. 'I just love it. It's my thing. And maybe the stand up comedian part,' he said. 'I love preaching. That's fine. But my best thing is doing the liturgy and serving Holy Communion. And that just is something special for me, it means something special.' In recent years, St. John's has been struggling with declining membership, Danger said. The congregation has lost almost two-thirds of its membership since the COVID pandemic, from around 120 attendees in its heyday to 30-40 people currently. It's a trend many legacy churches are struggling with, as more modern megachurches continue to drawn in bigger crowds. Danger said he worries about the future of the church after his departure. 'I think people that are here are wonderful, but I'm worried about the church everywhere. I just don't know,' said Danger. 'Regular human beings' Long-time congregant Hudson said that it's the small, intimate moments that he'll miss the most — watching his kids throw the tennis ball with the Hudson family dog, Hemingway (who is also a frequent church-goer) in the church courtyard on Sundays, and attending Christmas pageants and Easter egg hunts with friends. For Hudson, it's his pastor's ability to be himself, flaws and all, that he appreciates as a congregant. 'He and Jana allow themselves to be seen as fallible, vulnerable, regular human beings,' Hudson said. 'He cares about the spiritual community, but he brings that down home Minnesota, salt-of-the-Earth to everything that he does and everything that he is. It's not a facade, it's just who he is.' After his last service on June 29, Danger plans to spend more time with his children and grandchildren as well as his dog, Lucia. He said he might even pick up old hobbies, like sailing or photography. One St. John's tradition that will surely be missed after Danger's retirement is the post-service coffee hour that happens each week. It's a time to bond person to person, cup to cup. 'In a world in which more and more people are alone, it's good to have a time to sit down with somebody and to have some coffee and listen to each other.' It also happens to be one of Danger's favorite ways to spend time with congregants and friends. 'For Lutherans, coffee is the third sacrament,' he said. 'Lutherans have two sacraments, baptism and Holy Communion, but coffee is darn close for a third.' This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, including Khalid and Diana Mirza, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
News18
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
12 Years Of BTS: Celebrating Their Most Iconic Group Anthems
From early struggles to breaking global records, Korean band BTS has built a legacy beyond music. Widely acclaimed K-pop boy band BTS is officially 12! The group that consists of Jungkook, V, Jimin, Suga, J-Hope, Jin, and RM has become one of the most powerful boy bands in history. BTS made its debut in 2013. From early struggles to breaking global records, the band has built a legacy beyond music. Through unwavering passion, unique composition, and heartfelt lyrics, the band's influence transcended borders and age groups. On the occasion of their 12-year anniversary, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit their journey through one group song from each year: No More Dream (2 Cool 4 Skool) – 2013 The song that started it all – No More Dream – features a rebellious, youthful, and passionate spirit. Putting up the fight against the status quo, the powerful lyrics asked the fans, 'What's your dream?" Danger (Dark & Wild) – 2014 Danger witnessed the group's shift to dealing with confusion and resentment in relationships. With powerful beats and insane choreography, the song beautifully captures the frustration of feeling unseen and unheard. I Need U (The Most Beautiful Moment In Life) – 2015 The song marked the beginning of BTS' HYYH era, which spanned from 2015 to 2016. During this period, their music significantly shifted from an initial hip-hop style to a focus on the struggles and emotions of youth, and I Need U perfectly illustrates the pain of fading love alongside the struggle of growing up. Blood Sweat & Tears (Wings) – 2016 One of the most iconic songs of the band, Blood, Sweat & Tears, showcases themes like desire, sacrifice and temptation. With its gripping music and intense lyrics, the song portrays a story of getting lost and yet finding the strength to keep going. Spring Day (You Never Walk Alone) – 2017 The song highlights the pain of missing a loved one and the quiet ache of longing. The metaphor spring day, used to depict the arrival of spring after a long winter, captures the essence of a long wait finally coming to an end. IDOL (Love Yourself: Answer) – 2018 In this song, the group embraces their true selves and refuses to lose themselves in the middle of everything. 'I'm never going to change; I'm never going to trade" – perfectly highlights this message. Boy With Luv Ft. Halsey (Map Of The Soul: Persona) – 2019 This joyful track is a celebration of love, comfort, life, and connection. The song urges the fans to cherish the little things in life that are often overlooked. Boy With Luv acts as a reminder that love can be found in the quietest moments of our lives. Life Goes On (BE) – 2020 During the COVID-19 pandemic, when uncertainty prevailed, BTS released this comforting track to reassure fans that whatever happens, life will always go on. Permission To Dance (Butter CD) – 2021 Permission To Dance is an ode to letting go and allowing yourself to feel good. The song reminds us that it's okay to take time and hit pause to find joy in difficult times. Yet To Come (Proof) – 2022 Released before the band announced their hiatus due to military enlistment, through this song, the band assured ARMYs that while there may be a short break, the best moments are yet to come. Take Two (Single) – 2023 This song feels like a personal letter to the ARMYs, asking them if they'll stay. Take Two expresses the band's desire to keep going and their promise to return to their fans soon. First Published: June 20, 2025, 14:55 IST
TimesLIVE
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
New kid on the block Captain accused of impersonating Mampintsha
Newly signed Afrotainment singer Captain has been accused of impersonating Mampintsha. Captain, real name Siphamandla Mathebula, is known for his debut single Cinderella featuring Danger, which has sparked controversy among Durban entertainers who accused him of impersonating the late Big Nuz member. Mampintsha died in 2022 at Durban hospital after a short illness, leaving his group member Danger in the cold. Many video clips have been circulating showing Babes Wodumo expressing her anger towards Captain. A source close to West Ink (record label and production company) suggested Captain is a 'plant' in the music industry to bring the kwaito group Big Nuz back to its glory days. 'Captain used to be (West Ink founder) Mampintsha's driver. It is evident he studied Mampintsha's flow, dance moves and dress code. All his years working as Mampintsha's driver he was envying the guy. A lot of people are angry, not only Babes Wodumo', he said. Another source said: 'Captain's collaboration with Danger was going to be a gateway for Big Nuz's comeback, but their plan has gone up in flames. It might be the beginning of the end for him as he was aiming for the mega prize, which was ending up being on Big Nuz's album sleeve.'
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
MSP thanks emergency services for efforts in tackling Fauldhouse wildfire
Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley and constituency MSP for Fauldhouse, has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the emergency services responding to the significant wildfire. Fauldhouse's MSP has thanked the emergency services for tackling the wildfire which took hold over the weekend. Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley and constituency MSP for Fauldhouse, has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the emergency services responding to the significant wildfire. 'I want to put on record my grateful thanks and appreciation to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service and Forestry and Land Scotland,' Angela said. 'Due to the combined efforts of SFRS and partners, they have protected the public and property in what is a significant and prolonged incident affecting 100 hectares during the fifth wildfire danger assessment of the year.' Spring is the most critical period for wildfires in Scotland, with SFRS attending an average of 170 large outdoor fires each year. The Scottish Government supports the implementation of the wildfire strategy with £1.6 million. Angela added: 'The current weather in Scotland means that the risks of wildfires are higher, and I must reinforce to the public who are enjoying the outdoors to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and to avoid lighting open fires, especially when a Wildfire Danger Assessment is in place.' On Wednesday morning, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) spokesperson confirmed that two appliances remained at the scene. People living nearby have been urged to keep their windows and doors closed due to the smoke. An SFRS spokesperson said on Wednesday at around 7.30am: 'There are still sporadic hotspots, so we still have crews in attendance fighting it.' The fire service had earlier warned of an 'extreme' risk of wildfires across mainland Scotland due to the warm, dry weather, which remained in place until May 12.
TimesLIVE
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Danger and DJ Boonu recount meeting King Mswati III in Eswatini
Kwaito singer Danger recently met King Mswati III. Real name Mzi Tshomela, Danger is from a music group Big Nuz. He recently visited Eswatini with members of Swidi Film alongside DJ Ntukza and DJ Boonu. The Ubala lolo hit maker took to his social media to share an image of himself with the Swazi monarch. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Danger said it was refreshing meeting the head of state from the Kingdom of Eswatini, 'Sphila Ngokuhlanganisa Bekumnandi (We hustle to make living), all I can say was it was refreshing to see the king again, it isn't my first time meeting him. I got the breather I always wanted to pave a way for my next offering,' said Danger. Image: X DJ Boonu said: 'We went to Eswatini to explore avenues of my production company, and we had to meet the king as a mark of respect. From time to time we're going to be shooting shows there.'
