The BASS Convention

March 9, I led 2 training sessions for the BASS Convention. The training workshops I taught were Dynamic Guitar in Worship (both acoustic and electric), and Dynamic Bass Guitar in Worship (both acoustic and electric). The sessions were hands-on, so people brought your instrument! There were three general sessions and over 300 workshops for everyone involved in ministry at churches, both professionally and voluntarily.

National Worship Leader Conference

Worship leaders, musicians, songwriters, movers and shakers, theologians and scholars, all connected at the National Worship Leader Conference in Nashville, TN, May 20-21. This will be the fourth year I’ll be leading workshops for NWLC. I’ll be teaching on How to Record Your Own Music (ProTools), How to Write Out Your Music (Sibelius), and How to Read Music (MusicTheory.net). If you would like to come, you can come as my friend and use my 25% discount code: FRIENDS25.

Thank you for your support!

I really appreciate your prayers and support! There’s been so many significant aspects of ministry that would not have been the same without your uplifting prayers and encouragement. You empower us to fulfill our Mission Statement to Lead others toward intimacy with God and toward excellence in artistry. If you would like to help Heartfelt Music® financially, go to our website for more information by clicking HERE. Thank you so much!

The first three days of 2019 bring great guidance from the Bible APP YouVersion.com!

What’s In Your Treasure Box

I hope you are enjoying this new year and fostering your love for God to be more passionate than ever. May this Treasure Box concept encourages you throughout 2019!

There’s a Treasure Box in your heart.  You can only have one thing in it at a time, but whatever is in it is the most important thing in your life.  You have to have something in that box, whatever is most important to you, but it can change often.   One minute, you can have God in this Treasure Box and the next minute you can put another relationship in there, maybe even a certain car you’ve been dreaming of.  You can only have one thing in that box at a time for there is only one thing that is most important.  Yet, whatever is in there will shape your life and decisions.  God has created us to live life with Him in the Treasure Box at all times.  This can be thought of as a lifestyle of worship, a continued relationship of love, respect, honor and loyalty, a moment-by-moment giving the highest worth to God.

What we need is a worship infusion!  Infusing a love for God that supersedes all those little gods vying for the Treasure Box.  We need a worship renewal or awakening to give us this lifestyle of worship toward God.  Worship renewal is when a Christian realizes he or she is not giving God first place in his or her life and begins valuing Him above everything else.  Worship awakening is when someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus turns to Him, takes Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and gives Him His rightful place in their Treasure Box.  Both renewal and awakening mean that we humble ourselves, rely on the Holy Spirit for constant quickening of our spirit to love God with all our heart, cling to Jesus through all of life’s experiences, pray at all times, and anticipate the moment we’ll see Him face to face.  Worship infusion is turning from idolatry to worshiping God above all else.

Praise Night in Gilroy

I’ll be leading a Praise Night at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, this Sunday, January 27, at 6:00pm. An informal gathering to sing our praise to God as one church body. “Sing to the Lord a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy!” (Psalm 33:3). We will be singing familiar songs that inspires faith and new songs that reveal our God in meaningful splendor.

Private Lessons Through Skype

I just started teaching private guitar lessons through Skype! Now lessons are not limited to location. I do a lot of traveling and I’m trying to minimize my time away from home. It’s been going well, and I’m meeting once a month with students in person to be able to play together and have that “in person” feel. If you are interested in lessons through Skype, email me and let’s set up a time! [email protected]

Thank you for your support!

We appreciate your support throughout this last year! There’s been so many significant aspects of ministry that would not have been the same without your prayers and encouragement. We have plans to expand this coming year with a new website, new training in music and worship, and new songs and products. Please, pray the Lord will clearly direct our steps throughout 2019.

Events

January 27 (Sunday)
Praise Night with Reggie and the praise band at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 6:00pm.

January 27 (Sunday)
I’ll be regularly leading worship at the main service on Sundays, 10:00am.  Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020.

March 9 (Saturday)
I’ll be teaching workshops on guitar (acoustic & electric), and bass guitar (acoustic & electric) at the BASS Convention. Redwood Chapel, 19300 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley, CA.

Amazing Ministry for Fall

The summer wrapped up beautifully after 8 concerts at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center. I’ll be the Concert Coordinator again next summer and have an amazing line-up: Sanctus Real (6/15), The King’s Brass (6/22), Fernando Ortega (6/29), Buddy Greene (7/6), Phil Keaggy (7/13), Aaron Shust (7/20), and Point of Grace (7/27). Mark your calendar for these wonderful free concerts!
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We just finished our first quarter at Valley Christian School and it is so fulfilling to train and mentor these students. My Music Technology class is producing a free concert Friday with singer/songwriter Anja Kotar and guitarist Dimitri Morris. You can hear her songs on Apple Music HERE. We just finished our Spiritual Emphasis week where the faculty went to Mount Hermon for a day of spiritual renewal and the student body spent four days with inspiring chapels. Our worship team this year has students and adults playing on the same team, which has really raised the bar. I’m having fun with my four guitar classes. There is even a guitar club during lunch that I am advising.
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My oldest son, Brandon, got married in September to Kristin and went to Whales for their honeymoon. Now both of my boys are married and enjoying their new adventures with their spouses. Sherri and I are now empty-nesters with a 120-pound Bernese Mountain Dog…having fun!
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I’m still the Worship Arts Director with Gilroy Presbyterian Church and President of the Community Group at Mount Hermon. Life is full, but I’m doing what I love. Lots of ministry, lots of relational interconnection, and lots of teaching/training.
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I appreciate your continued prayers and support! You inspires the things I do to have eternal results. God is doing a great work! If you would like to help Heartfelt Music® financially, click HERE.

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Brandon & Kristin Are Married!

Brandon & Kristin had a wonderful wedding on September 20 in Berkeley. I was able to do the officiating and felt so honored to help tie the knot. They went to Whales for their honeymoon and are happily employed in great companies. Brandon is working at Facebook with concept design for 3D art with Oculus. Kristin is working with animation at Lucas Film. Needless to say, I’m very proud of them! Brandon continues to paint and draw on his own time.

Anja Kotar in Concert at VCS

Anja Kotar (professional vocal artist) will be performing with Dimitri Morris (professional guitarist) at Valley Christian High School in the Conservatory Hall this Friday, November 2, at 7:00pm. Both of them are Valley Christian alumni. My Music Technology class is putting on this concert to learn how to produce concerts. All the details can be found by clicking HERE. She will be sharing from her album called Nomad and having a Listening Party at 5:00pm.

I’m Selling My Taylor 815CE

I am selling my Taylor 815CE guitar. It’s been a beautiful one-of-a-kind instrument and is still in mint condition. It has unique inlay on the fretboard and the bridge and has ebony tuning keys. The Florentine cut-a-way is striking and the tone is prestine.  Click the picture above or HERE to watch a video of me playing the guitar on my song Abundant Sunshine. I’m putting it on eBay this weekend with more pictures. I’m selling it for $4,000. Let me know if you’re interested.

Coming Events

Nov 2 (Friday)
Anja Kotar will be doing a free concert with Dimitri Morris this Friday, 7:00pm, at Valley Christian High School in the Conservatory Hall (100 Skyway Drive, San Jose, CA 95111).

Nov 11, 18, 25 (Sundays)
I’ll be leading worship at the main service on Sundays, 10:00am, at  Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. Come worship with us!

Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series Kicks-Off with Phil Keaggy

Saturday, June 23, 7:30pm-9:00pm, will begin the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series. In just two weeks, Phil Keaggy will be our first featured artist! Phil is perhaps one of the most admired guitarists in music today. His fans range from those who aspire just to be able to play Keaggy’s mistakes, to professional musicians who have been strongly influenced by his style. And in between are those who don’t play guitar, yet find solace in his beautifully penned lyrics and memorable melodies. Phil will be teaching a guitar workshop, 3:00pm-4:30pm, in the main auditorium, $20 per person. Ticketed Buffet Dinner is from 5:00pm to 6:30pm, $25. Don’t enjoy driving Highway 17? You can even catch a luxery shuttle bus from Calvary Church in Los Gatos (see details below). All concerts are open to the public without charge, and all are on Saturdays at 7:30pm, in Mount Hermon’s main indoor/outdoor auditorium. There will be a free-will offering towards expenses. For more information, call 831-335-4466. Come be encouraged and inspired! Look forward to seeing you there!

Phil Keaggy Guitar Workshop

Phil will be giving a guitar workshop the same day as the concert, Saturday, June 23, 3:00pm-4:30pm ($20). Anyone who plays guitar, wants to get inspired, and improve their skill will love learning from Phil and gleaning from his years of experience. Bringing your guitar is optional.

Luxury Shuttle from Los Gatos/Buffet Dinner

There is a luxurious bus shuttle from Calvary Church in Los Gatos to the doorstep of Mount Hermon and back, so you can avoid the hassle of Highway 17 ($20 round trip). Click on the Buffet Dinner link to register. This is coupled with the Buffet Dinner option at 5:00pm ($25). Make it a wonderful day by enjoying the delicious buffet dinner and then priority seating for the evening concert.

Relationships & Worship Matters

The book Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin covers many relevant issues on worship. On the Heartfelt Music website, under the category of Worship Matters book, I summarize the book in four parts. In Part 4, Bob reminds us that worship ministry is always about people. It is very important to keep in mind at all times that people are so important! God is all about relationships. Because of His deep love for us, God sent His Son to die for people, to heal relationships, and draw us all closer to Him. Relationships are messy and there are so many variables which make it hard to have a “cookie cutter” answer in solving problems. “But I know this,” says Bob, “the church doesn’t need leaders who love to lead people in worship but don’t love the people they’re serving.” It’s not just selecting the right songs that pleases God, but God is more interested in how we treat others. Take stock of your relationships and love them like Jesus would.

Phil Keaggy is Coming!

Saturday, June 23, guitar master and concert artist Phil Keaggy will be coming to Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, which begins the Summer Concert Series. Invite every guitar player you know!

Austin Coates is Getting Married!

Austin, my youngest son, is getting married this month to Lindsey Doran. Sherri and I are so excited for them and are full of joy in the midst of all the preparations. They met at George Fox University in Oregon.

Brandon Coates is Getting Married!

Brandon, my oldest son, is getting married in September to Kristin Campbell. Sherri and I are so blessed to know both Austin and Brandon have found wonderful and beautiful soul-mates. They also met at college, San Jose State University.

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Worship Matters

I will be giving a concert at Gilroy Presbyterian Church this Sunday. It’s a musical three part series we’ve been having once a month to enhance our love for the Lord and express worship through music. The theme is Music in Faith and it starts at 6:30pm. I would love to see you!

The book Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin covers many relevant issues on worship. On the Heartfelt Music website, under the category of Worship Matters book, I summarize the book in four parts. Part 2 covers “The Task” of worship leading.  Bob beautifully gives a working definition of the purpose in worship leading with the following sentence:

A faithful worship leader
magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ
through the power of the Holy Spirit
by skillfully combining God’s Word with music,
thereby motivating the gathered church
to proclaim the gospel,
to cherish God’s presence,
and to live for God’s glory.

May you be reminded to magnify the greatness of God and live for His glory in all you do!

Reggie in Concert at Gilroy Pres.

I will be doing a concert at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, Sunday, March 18, at 6:30pm. This is the third of three monthly Sunday Evening Worship Series. This Music of Faith concert begins at 6:30pm. It will be just me with guitar and vocal tapestry. I’d love to see you!

Easter Sunrise Service at Mount Hermon

An Easter sunrise service, open to the public, will be conduced at the summit of Mount Hermon on Easter Sunday, April 1, at 6:30am. Reggie Coates will be leading a time of worship and Randal Kay will share an Easter message. Breakfast is served immediately following the service.

Praise & Worship

Heartfelt Music has me involved in many things lately, which takes a lot of time and energy. But, everything works together and overlaps in the area of praising and worshiping God. Leading worship in churches; training others to sing praises through private lessons; teaching at conferences; organizing summer concerts at Mount Hermon…I love what I do!

Coming Events

March 18 (Sunday)
Music of Faith Concert with Reggie at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. It begins at 6:30pm. It will be just me with guitar and vocal tapestry.

March 30 (Friday)
Good Friday Service at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. It begins at 7:00pm. I’ll be leading music at this meaningful time of reflecting on the cross of Christ.

April 1 (Sunday)
I’ll be leading worship at Mount Hermon’s Easter Sunrise Service, at the cross near Ponderosa Lodge, 37 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon, CA 95041. Breakfast is served after the service.

April 1 (Sunday)
I’ll be leading worship at the main service on Sunday, 10:00am.  Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020.

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Worship Matters

Do we spend our day mostly thinking about ourselves or do we have a lifestyle of talking with Jesus, acknowledging God’s presence, and worshiping Him? It’s so easy to get caught up with what we’re doing and not keep our eyes on Christ. The high school worship team is going through the book Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin in which he covers many relevant issues on worship. It’s been a great read and the students are loving it. On the Heartfelt Music website, under the category of Worship Matters book, I summarize the book in four parts. I’ll spend the next four eNewsletters looking at each section. In part one, I like how Bob describes many of the little things that consume us as leaders:  what others think of us, attitudes, musicians not showing up, and even technical things going wrong.  However, the most important thing is giving worth to God.  Worship matters to God because He is the one ultimately worthy of all worship.  It matters to us because we are created to worship God.  It also matters to leaders because it is one of the greatest privileges to lead others to encounter the greatness of God. Consider these four important aspects of leaders:

• Your heart:  What do you love?
• Your mind:  What do you believe?
• Your hands:  What do you practice?
• Your life:  What do you model?

The BASS Convention Training

March 1-3, I will be leading 3 training sessions for the BASS Convention. The relevant workshops I’ll teach are Improving Your Singing, Worship Leading Effectively, and Dynamic Guitar in Worship. There are three general sessions and over 300 workshops for everyone who is involved in ministry at churches, both professionally and voluntarily. Come and get equipped.

Valley Christian School Conservatory Faculty Showcase

There will be a staff concert on Tuesday, March 6, where some of the faculty of Valley Christian High School will perform in the Conservatory Concert Hall. I’ll be one of the performers along with some of my amazing cohorts singing, playing saxophone, piano, and other instruments. I’ll be playing my songs Getting Stronger and Remember. It’s free and open to all. It begins at 7:00pm.

Reggie in Concert at Gilroy Presbyterian Church

I will be doing a concert at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, Sunday, March 18, at 6:30pm. This is the third of three monthly Sunday Evening Worship Series. This Music of Faith concert begins at 6:30pm. It will be just me with guitar and vocal tapestry. [Dave Talbott will be performing Hymns of Praise on piano and organ this Sunday, February 25, at 6:30pm.]

Coming Events

• Feb. 25, Mar. 4, 18, & 25 (Sundays)
  I’ll be leading worship at the main service on Sundays, 10:00am.  Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020.
• March 3 (Saturday)
  I’ll be teaching workshops on worship, guitar, and voice at the BASS Convention. Redwood Chapel,
  19300 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley, CA.
• March 11 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at Central Peninsula Church, South Campus, in Redwood City, The Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063
• March 18 (Sunday)
  Music of Faith Concert with Reggie at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. It begins at 6:30pm. This is the third of three monthly Sunday Evening Worship Series. It will be just me with guitar and vocal tapestry.

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Still Ministering!

At the beginning of this new year, I’ve been contemplating what has remained true throughout my adult life and the 34 years of Heartfelt Music. The word that comes to mind is ministry. It’s tempting to see concerts, albums, and training events to be primarily about fame. I’ve seen many artists push hard to get their name out above others and base their important decisions on how much money will come in. A part of the entertainment business requires artists to think about these things, but it could be a slippery slope, especially when character and integrity are treated as less important. I’m very glad that over the years, Heartfelt Music has been an organization committed to ministry and not fame. We’ve emphasized people, relationships, encouraging others toward right living and a strong faith in Christ. The name of Jesus matters more than my name and mentoring others is so fulfilling. I’ll be doing more concerts in the next few months and will be promoting other artists’ concerts as well. All of this is for ministry, positively influencing and encouraging all those who come. Thank you for your help and prayers to keep me focused toward ministry, maintaining the priorities that make eternal differences.

Gilroy Concert

There will be a Praise Night with me and the worship band at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, this Sunday, January 28, at 6:30pm. This is the first of three monthly Sunday Evening Worship Series. I will be leading, with the GPC worship team, popular worship songs. David Talbott will be leading a hymn sing Sunday, February 25, to recall the greatness of God through song. Then, Sunday, March 18, I will be doing a full concert with lots of guitar and vocal tapestry.

Valley Christian School Concert

There will be a staff concert on Tuesday, March 6, where some of the faculty of Valley Christian Schools in San Jose will perform in the Conservatory Concert Hall. I’ll be one of the performers this evening with both voice and guitar. Some of my amazing cohorts will sing, play saxophone, piano, and other instruments to demonstrate the wonderful talent represented at VCS. It’s open to the public, students, and faculty. It begins at 7:00pm.

Mount Hermon Concert

In the beautiful Santa Cruz Redwoods, there will be a Summer Concert Series with artists such as Phil Keaggy and Point of Grace. I will be performing in concert with Elizabeth Hunnicutt Summers on Saturday, August 4, at 7:30. Elizabeth will do a 20 minute concert, I’ll do a 20 minute concert, then together we’ll lead everyone in familiar worship songs. Concerts are free, but you can enjoy a buffet dinner right before the concert for $25.00.

Coming Events

January 28 (Sunday)
Praise Night with Reggie and the praise band at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 6:30pm. This is the first of three monthly Sunday Evening Worship Series. I will be leading singing with the GPC morning worship service band.

January 28 (Sunday)
I’ll be regularly leading worship at the main service on Sundays, 10:00am.  Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020.

March 3 (Saturday)
I’ll be teaching workshops on worship, guitar, and voice at the BASS Convention. Redwood Chapel,
19300 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley, CA.

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Happy Holidays!

I hope this Christmas and New Year celebration is filled with meaningful moments with family and a sense of “making room” for Jesus.  As the Christmas carol Joy to the World exhorts, “Let every heart prepare Him room!”  Though sometimes life gets tough and we wish things could be different, but let’s turn to the One who is in control and worship Him. This Christmas season, may you lift up Christ and thank Him for His abundant life…”Joy to the world! The Lord has come!”

Ways to Support Heartfelt Music

For year-end giving, you can donate to Heartfelt Music through Pay Pal (100% goes to us). Last year’s gifts helped us tremendously throughout the whole year…Thank you! Part of your purchase is donated to us when buying on Amazon.com through Amazon Smile. Also, Heartfelt Music is a registered Charity through eBay GivingWorks. When purchasing anything on eBay, if you list Heartfelt Music as your Charity, we receive a small portion without costing you anything extra.

VCHS Students at Ponderosa Lodge

The Valley Christian School Conservatory of the Arts took 32 high school students to Mount Hermon’s Fall Frenzy at Ponderosa Lodge. The entire HS Worship Team went. We had a fantastic trip! It was fun and meaningful…a great time to get away, be renewed, get closer to friends, and grow in Christ. Usually, students in the Conservatory program give and give, so this retreat was an opportunity to receive. Here’s a link to the highlight video for weekend, which was December 1 through 3.

Christmas Eve at Gilroy Pres.

Accenting the birth of Jesus, there will be three special Christmas Eve services on December 24th, at Gilroy Presbyterian Church. I will be leading the music for all of them. The 10:00am service is with a praise band; the 5:00pm service is for families and kid friendly, and will have a brass quintet doing music with me; The 9:00pm service will have a professional string quartet and will be topped-off with a beautiful candle lighting experience. He deserves all the glory, honor and praise!  You are welcome to join us.

Upcoming Events

December 17 (Sunday)
I will be leading worship with Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 10:00am.

December 24 (Sunday)
Three special Christmas Eve services 10:00am, 5:00pm, and 9:00pm.  Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020.

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Meaningful Thanksgiving

The usual Thanksgiving wish is “Happy Thanksgiving,” but I wish you a “meaningful Thanksgiving” weekend. May you experience a sense of joy as you share your gratitude with family and friends and thank God for who He is and all He provides. Yet, if you are experiencing hard times and find it difficult to see Thanksgiving as a “happy” time, may you find meaning and gratitude for all the good in your life. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17).”

Thank you for your interest in the ongoing work of Heartfelt Music Ministry. We continue to intentionally lead and influence through mentoring, training, teaching, and music performance. Your prayers and support are appreciated so much!
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Worship Teams at VCS

The Valley Christian School Worship Teams have been going so well. They have led worship everyday for our Spiritual Emphasis Week; led worship for Gilroy Presbyterian Church; and last Wednesday, they led a Worship Chapel where they organized the whole chapel. This year, we have just one team, which gives them more opportunities to lead. The Junior High Worship Team is also doing a great job.
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Easy Donations to Heartfelt Music

Without spending any extra money, you can have a portion of what you buy on Amazon.com by going through Amazon Smile. Also, Heartfelt Music is now registered with Pay Pal Giving Fund and is a Charity through eBay GivingWorks. When purchasing anything on eBay, if you list Heartfelt Music as your Charity, we receive a small donation. Every little bit helps. You can also donate through Pay Pal and now 100% goes to us. Click here to find out more about donating through Pay Pal.
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Summer Concert Series at Mount Hermon

At Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, this summer I am coordinating the eight concerts every Saturday night. I’m very excited about all the musicians who will be performing: Phil Keaggy, Buddy Greene, Brush Arbor, Dave Talbott & Alex Russell, Point of Grace, Captivating Keyboards, Elizabeth Hunnicutt Summers & me, and the Celebration Choir. Click here for more info.
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Leading Worship at Gilroy Presbyterian Church

November 26, December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Sundays)
I will be leading worship with Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 10:00am. On the 26th, we’re having a special service on gratitude. In December, we celebrate the birth of Jesus (Advent) with lots of Christmas Carols.

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