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I hope your Christmas season is full of meaning with faith-filled celebration of Jesus.  He deserves our worship!

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Bruce Blake sent out a letter a few weeks back to invite you to help Heartfelt Music Ministry with a tax deductable year-end gift.  We appreciate the response so far.  Your donation anytime this month would greatly help.  Visit our website for more details https://heartfeltmusic.org

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The Creekside Christmas presentation The Journey to Bethlehem – a Journey of Faith was fantastic!  It was a full house and the cast and crew did a great job, including a touching testimony and culminating message by our Lead Pastor.
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Check out below the gifts available and the events coming up in January…

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Three Great Deals for Christmas Gifts (Available through December 25th)

1) Two CDs for the price of one, $10.00 (Bundle includes Here to Worship with full band and Heartfelt Celebration with voice and guitar only).
2) Two lessons for the price of one, $85.00 (Includes two hour long lessons with notebook and lesson summary videos.   This is for those not currently taking lessons. )
3) Give a Gift Certificate.  You can purchase a Gift Certificate for a friend or loved one to spend on any item through Heartfelt Music Ministry, even lessons.
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Go to https://heartfeltmusic.org/products/ to take advantage of these offers.
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Mark your calendar:

Guitar Looping, January 7 (Thursday), 7:00pm-8:00pm, Guitar Showcase (Showcase Music Institute), 3090 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA 95124, (408) 377-5864 [ask for Norri], $20.00 for non-SMI students. Guitar looping is the art of recording a short section of music on-the-spot and adding multiple parts on top of the original “loop.”  It makes it sound like a few guitars are playing at once, but it’s all coming from your one guitar.  Whether enhancing your performance on stage or using it to practice lead at home, Reggie will show you guitar looping techniques which will improve your playing.

Fun Guitar Class 1 (Grades 5-8), January 20, (Wed) Scotts Valley and Alamo:  (Every Wednesday for 8 weeks beginning January 20th), at Baymonte Christian School, 5000B Granite Creek Road, Scotts Valley; and Creekside Community Church, Alamo. These are beginning courses for children grades 5-8 who want to learn how to play guitar and experience the basics in music.  Students start developing modern guitar technique, essential musical listening skills, foundational understanding in reading music, and how to care for their instrument.  Sign-up with Heartfelt Music (925) 206-9895. The cost is $185 for the 8 week course which also includes the book Guide to Playing the Guitar (with CD) by Terry Burrows and a sturdy binder.

Reggie’s Concert, January 17 (Sunday), 6:30pm-8:00pm,  Creekside Community Church, 1350 Danville Blvd., Alamo, CA  94507, (925) 820-9031.  Acoustic & Electric Guitars with strong vocals and an uplifting message.  Original songs with a variety of effects to both entertain and encourage.  Bring the whole family!  (Love offering will be taken.)

Mary Christmas,

Reggie

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Dear Friends of Heartfelt Music Ministry:
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Hello, I’m Bruce Blake, the President of Heartfelt Music Ministry.  In the ten years I’ve been serving as President, I’ve seen such a high impact of spiritual ministry through our non-profit organization and the lives affected by what we do.  Through quality training events, concerts/worship leading events, and inspiring music products, we are effectively hitting our target of leading others toward intimacy with God.
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As many organizations have been hit by the drastic downfall in our economy, Heartfelt Music Ministry is also experiencing the “squeeze.”  December is a usual time to give an end-of-the-year gift to tax-deductible, not-for-profit organizations like ours.  On behalf of the Heartfelt Music Ministry Board of Directors (John, Bryan, Willie, Mike, and myself) and the Executive Director (Reggie), would you consider making a donation to Heartfelt Music Ministry and significantly helping us to move forward in ministry?
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We are very grateful for your support through prayer, attending events, and purchasing our products.  Some of you have been contributing monthly for years which is an important reason for our success in touching people’s lives.  However, recently, it has been difficult to meet our monthly expenses.  We would greatly appreciate any financial contribution you could make at this time.
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For the Cause of Christ,
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Bruce Blake

President, Heartfelt Music Ministry

https://heartfeltmusic.org

PO Box 3

Mount Hermon, CA 95041
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How to Make a Donation

Here are two ways you can easily donate to Heartfelt Music Ministry:

1) Credit/Debit Card – You can donate using your Credit/Debit card by clicking on the Donate button below and going through the secure site at PayPal.

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2) Check or Money Order – You can send a check or money order to:

Heartfelt Music Ministry
PO Box 3
Mount Hermon, CA  95041

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November has been largely full of preparing for our Christmas presentation with Creekside Community Church December 13th.  It’s called The Journey to Bethlehem – A Journey of Faith.  In addition to Christmas being about the arrival of Jesus, we are taking a look at the unique journey we take to get to Him, a journey of faith.  Through music, drama, children’s choir, multi-media, carol singing, and a compelling message, both believers and seekers will be enriched and encouraged.  I’ve been teaching private lessons and enjoying each student working toward their goals and getting better every time we meet.  I’ll be giving a workshop this Thursday at Guitar Showcase (Showcase Music Institute), in San Jose, on Creative Songwriting (7:30pm-8:30pm).  This Friday, the Mount Hermon Community will be holding a Christmas dinner in which I’ll be leading a carol sing with David Talbot.  Also, you’re invited to a concert of mine Sunday January 17th where I’ll be singing new songs and favorites as well.

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A new music book, Reggie’s Songs Written Out, will be available December 1st with twenty of my songs written out. Ten of them in guitar tab, with melody and chord diagrams the way I play the chords (The songs include:  Ain’t Nobody, Radically Committed, No Greater Love, Amazing Grace, Cast Away, I Choose to Follow Jesus, Slow Me Down, Seasons, Isaiah 12:2, and Touch My Heart) and ten of them in sheet music, with melody and chord diagrams the way I play the chords (The songs include:  Celebrate, Christ Only Always, Draw Near to God, Go the Distance, I Lift My Love to You, Lord I’m Yours, On Christ, Shout, Shout for Joy, and Take a Stand). $15.00
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Three Great Deals for Christmas Gifts (Available through December 25th)

1) Two CDs for the price of one, $10.00 (Bundle includes Here to Worship with full band and Heartfelt Celebration with voice and guitar only).
2) Two lessons for the price of one, $85.00 (Includes two hour long lessons with notebook and lesson summary videos.   This is for those not currently taking lessons. )
3) Give a Gift Certificate.  You can purchase a Gift Certificate for a friend or loved one to spend on any item through Heartfelt Music Ministry, even lessons.
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Mark your calendar:

Creative Songwriting workshop, December 3 (Thursday), 7:30pm-8:30pm, Guitar Showcase (Showcase Music Institute), 3090 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA 95124, (408) 377-5864 [ask for Norri], $20.00 for non-SMI students. Understanding the key ingredients to songwriting will open up a new world of flavors for each songwriter.  This seminar gives you practical ways to take your ideas and inspiration and craft them into a beautiful and expressive song.  Reggie will cover the eight elements of songwriting, working with music, working with lyrics, and how to combine them effectively.
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Christmas Carol Sing, December 4 (Friday), 6:00pm-7:30pm, Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center’s Dinning Room, Conference Drive, Mount Hermon, CA 95041, (831) 335-4466, $5.00.  This is an exclusive dinner for the residence of Mount Hermon Community.  Reggie will be leading Christmas carol singing with master pianist David Talbot.
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The Journey to Bethlehem – A Journey of Faith, December 13 (Sunday), 6:30pm-8:00pm, Creekside Community Church, 1350 Danville Blvd., Alamo, CA  94507, (925) 820-9031, FREE.  As well as celebrating the arrival of Jesus, we are taking a look at the unique journey we take to get to Him, a journey of faith.  There will be child care 0-4 years and dessert following the presentation.
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Reggie’s Concert, January 17 (Sunday), 6:30pm-8:00pm,  Creekside Community Church, 1350 Danville Blvd., Alamo, CA  94507, (925) 820-9031.  Acoustic & Electric Guitars with strong vocals and an uplifting message.  Original songs with a variety of effects to both entertain and encourage.  Bring the whole family!  (Love offering will be taken.)

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Touching people’s hearts and guiding them to Jesus is and has been the thrust of our ministry. I’m doing more discipling either by getting together one-on-one with individuals or small group workshops/lessons. I’m praying for each person and ask you to join with me in prayer to build God’s kingdom one life at a time.
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I’m teaching an 8-week beginning guitar class for 4th & 5th graders in Alamo starting tomorrow. These students are precious and I wish you could see their enthusiasm (more info at https://heartfeltmusic.org/academy/courses/ ). I’m teaching private music lessons in Los Altos, San Jose, and Alamo which are going very well. I currently have 10 students excited to use their talents toward God’s glory (more info at https://heartfeltmusic.org/academy/coaching/ ).
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I’ll be training the worship team at First Baptist Church of Salinas October 24 with a workshop called Leading Worship Effectively and Team Building (more info at https://heartfeltmusic.org/workshops/ ). Then the next day, I’ll be teaching and leading worship in their services at 9:00am and 10:30am. You’re welcome to join us if you’re in the area (more info at https://heartfeltmusic.org/calendar/ ).
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The ministry and people of Creekside Community Church is where I spend most of my time right now as the Associate Pastor. Investing in the Worship & Arts Ministry and four great guys is so enjoyable and very rewarding (Dustin, the Children’s Minister; Tim, the Middle School Minister; Sean, the High School Minister; and Dana, the High School Worship Intern. More info at http://creeksidechurch.com/ ).
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For those who support Heartfelt Music Ministry with your prayers, thank you so much. It’s God’s answers to your prayers that make this unique organization a powerful and high impact ministry to others. For those who support Heartfelt Music Ministry with your financial contributions, thank you so much too. Your gifts put feet on this ministry to enable us to do the work needed and continue to touch people’s lives (to donate and receive a tax deduction, go to https://heartfeltmusic.org/about/ and scroll to the bottom of the page).
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I know these times are difficult for almost everyone, but keep looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2).  We worship the God who daily offers hope and joy.

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Most of my ministry efforts has been with Creekside Community Church (Alamo).  But there has been a steady stream of meaningful ministry encounters with Heartfelt Music Ministry.  Besides private lessons and the monthly Christian Guitarist Fellowship,  June had me doing coffee shop concerts;  July had a Worship Conference in Castro Valley; August had a High School ministry reunion for Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley and the Mount Hermon Songwriter’s Conference; and the beginning of September had the last monthly Christian Guitarist Fellowship.  Thank you for your prayers through it all.

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Happy 4th of July everyone! As we celebrate our independence as a country, let’s commit anew our dependence on Jesus.  What a collision of freedom and fulfillment!
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There’s been some wonderful events in June with the Christian Guitarist Fellowship, an instrumental concert at Yellow Wood Coffee & Tea, and private lessons in both Danville and Los Altos.  Also, I’m beginning my second year with Creekside Community Church and it is such a blessing.  I oversee the Worship & Arts Ministry and work with the three pastors in the Student’s and Children’s ministries.  I taught on Love (1 Corinthians 13:7 & 8a) in the main service last month and will teach on Trusting in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-8) July 26th.  There’s a lot of ministry opportunities with good people to work with.  Please, pray for God’s continued blessing.
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Ministry Update & Coming Events

Tomorrow, July 5, is our 6th monthy Christian Guitarist Fellowship.  Hope you can make it from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Creekside Community Church in Alamo.  I know many are out of town because of the 4th of July weekend.  But if you’re around  glean from fellow guitar players and share with them what you’re learning.  We have some good stuff planned!
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One of the best (and most affordable) two-day training conferences is Friday & Saturday, July 24 & 25.  The Lift Him Up Worship Training Conference is for all who are involved in the various aspects of woship.  Some of the training workshops cover:  Soundboard Techniques; Acoustic Guitar; Lead & Electric Guitar; Drums and Rhythm Section; Bass Guitar; Vocal; Worship Band Techniques; Platform Techniques; Worship Team Leading; The Meaning of True Worship; Genres of Worship; Prayer Worship; and Expressive Worship.  I am one of the featured presenters and workshop instructors for the conference.  Mark Kenoly and Kingdom Voice are also featured artists and instructors. The cost is very affordable at $25.00 per person for the two days of training and concert Saturday night at 7:00pm.  For more information contact New Life Christian Church at (510) 889-1304 or visit www.newlifechristianchurch.com .
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Are you a songwriter?  You won’t want to miss the Christian Songwriters Conference at the Mount Hermon Conference Center, August 31 – September 3 (Sun-Thu).  Write, learn, eat, and play!  Located in the breathtaking coastal redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this conference immerses you in songwriting with a close knit community of artists. Experience 3 plenary teaching sessions and 8 elective classes with experienced songwriters like Shane & Shane, Don Moen, Sara Groves, Charlie Peacock, Israel Houghton, and Joy Williams.  I will be one of the reviewers for the  songs submitted for competition and I’ll be teaching workshops throughout the week.  For more info:  http://mounthermon.org/adult/professionals/songwriters .
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In addition to private lessons in Los Altos and Danville, I’ll be an instructor with the Showcase Music Institute in San Jose (which is a part of  Guitar Showcase) beginning in the fall.  The cool thing about these lessons is that they will be twice a month with the addition of as many workshops as you’d like throughout the month.  Each instructor gives one workshop a month which is open for all the students to attend for free as a part of the lesson package (since there are about 15 instructors, you could take up to 15 workshops).  It’s great for those who want more than the hour a month I’ve been offering.  I’ll tell you more as it gets closer.  Let me know if you’re interested as there is limited availability.  Check out their site:  http://guitarshowcase.com under Lessons.
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Personal Update & Prayer Request

As a family, we’re doing really well.  We love to spend time together and have a lot of fun when we do.  Brandon has been busy doing things with new friends and attending camps and retreats.  He continues to draw daily.  Austin is enjoying summer with Tae Kwon Do, Gumdo, archery, gaming, and chess.  Both of them ended the year very well scholastically with straitht “A”s.  Sherri and I are very proud of them.  Sherri continues to be the best mom and wife in the universe which keeps her busy.  We’ve been affected by the economy, as many are struggling to make ends meet nowdays, so we’re having to change housing to something more affordable for us.  Please, pray for our transition which may take a few months.
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Your continued interest and involvement in Heartfelt Music Ministry is very much appreciated!  Drop me a note on Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace anytime.  May God richly bless you throughout this month with all the unique things that summer brings your way.

~ Reggie

The Christian Guitarist Fellowship in May was another enjoyable learning experience.  Here’s some photos of our “Jam” time where everyone paired up and taught each other.  Come and join us for the next one Sunday, June 7th, 2:00pm-4:00pm.
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May Christian Guitarist Fellowship

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May Christian Guitarist Fellowship

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May Christian Guitarist Fellowship

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May Christian Guitarist Fellowship

Sugarpine Christian Conference Center’s Father & Son Retreat

This last weekend went very well as I led the men and boys in singing and worship.  It was a “Mountain Men” fishing retreat with lots of fun activities and the singing and teaching time were spiritually inspiring.  Scott Simmerok, from San Jose First Baptist, did a fine job speaking.  I took my son’s with me and had one of the best times together.  Some families had been coming to the camp for 10 to 15 years.  It was great to see familiar faces as I’ve led worship there about 6 years.
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Online Guitar Lessons with MusicDojo.com

My first guitar lessons online really worked!  I wasn’t sure how they were going to work out, but the two week beginner’s course on Strumming and Finger Picking was a success.  A student from Portugal enjoyed the class and wrote, “I had a really nice time at the course.  It brought my practice routines again.  The course is very well structured, I think it’s pretty cool!  It´s been a pleasure to study, as well as interact with you!”  This course was the first in MusicDojo.com’s new series called Essential Worship Guitar.
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Creekside Community Church

Ministry with Creekside Community Church has been busy but fulfilling.  Easter, as well as the week before, was a good way to zero in on what Christianity is all about:  Jesus as King, the cross, and the resurrection.  Our four services (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and two on Easter) reflected the celebrative and somber moods of each event and highlighted the life of Christ in us (Galations 2:20).  I’m enjoying working with the people and organizing each worship service.  We are currently going through 40 Days of Love and the musicians are studying the book The Missing Element of Worship:  What’s Love Got to Do with It? by Tom Kraeuter.
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Heartfelt Music Board Conference Call

We had a conference call a couple of weeks ago to catch up with the personal happenings of the Board members and keep the momentum going for Heartfelt Music Ministry.  I love those guys and appreciate their prayers and thoughtful insights as they oversee this ministry.  The economic crisis we’re in right now is affecting everyone.  Fortunately, faith and the “heart” of things really come out during hard times.
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Private Lessons & Coaching

I approach each lesson as I do most things with the attitude of, “What would I want if it were for me?” (Do unto others…).  So, each student gets the best treatment in lessons, better than anything out there.  Of course, learning is largely based on the student themselves.  But, the lessons are top notch with tailored coaching toward personal goals, multi-media interaction during the lesson, quality resources and materials, multiple emphasis (guitar, songwriting, voice), a Lesson Summary Video, and communication throughout the month.  I’m stepping it up because that is what I would want.  My students appreciate it!

The April CGF Group

The April Christian Guitarist Fellowship was a blast!  We had people from all over (those from out of the area were from San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Red Bluff, and Castro Valley).  We went over Alternate Tunings, Jazz Chords, the 12-Barre Blues, the Am Pentatonic Scale, and Great Songs in the Key of G.  Austin Graham shared a beautiful instrumental song he wrote and we had a good half hour of one-on-one jamming throughout the auditorium.  It was a very encouraging day.  Hope you can make it next time!

The first Christian Guitarist Fellowship was a blast and went very well. Ten people came which was just fine for the first time considering it was the Superbowl weekend. I started out with a Phil Keaggy video as people were coming in. We started at 2:00pm with an introduction and discussion as to people’s expectations and desires. I gave a lesson on contemporary chords, did a little demonstration, and then we paired off in order to “jam” together. I took two young beginners, an advanced guitarist friend took another adult beginner and the rest paired off with varying skill levels. We came back together and played through some well known praise songs. Everyone enjoyed it and said they want to come back in March. We are going to hold it the first Sunday of every month. I’m excited about it!