Aurora Flowing Forth UMC adds worship director

Vocalist and keyboardist John Douglas of North Aurora has joined Flowing Forth United Methodist Church in Aurora as worship director.

Prior to joining Flowing Forth, Johnson directed music for area churches.

The native of Sioux Falls, S.D., began music studies at age four and took to the piano. He recalled, "My mother would play from the hymnal and sing all the time and I had the ability to play the same by ear." Later he sang and played organ for services led by his stepfather, a Lutheran pastor in Barrington.

After studying vocal education and piano performance at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, he earned an Actor Equity card and sang and danced around the country. During 20 years in New York, he performed in theatre, soaps and on the hotel circuit. For 13 years, he worked with a brother who opened an Aurora church. Two siblings who are pastors.

Johnson said, "I feel music is something we all have within us, something that unites our spirits and it is my hope to unify us through it. I once felt how nice it would be if every minute of our lives could be set to music, but for now, I'll settle for the time we spend together in worship."

Flowing Forth UMC holds worship services online and in-person at 10 a.m. Sundays at Aurora Christian School theater, 2255 Sullivan Road in Aurora. The public is invited. Parking is free. A freewill offering is taken.

Pandemic protocols are observed, including temperature checks, handwashing, social distancing and celebrating communion with prepackaged elements.

Call (630) 239-2321 or visit flowingforthumc.org for more information.