October Update 2023

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God’s Desire for You

There are many helpful verses in the Bible that clearly spell out what God’s will is for our lives. One of my favorite sections is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” What an important reminder of all the blessings God brings our way and rejoice in them; keep a constant and open dialogue with God about everything we do and everyone who crosses our path; and maintain an attitude of gratitude, being thankful in the midst of all our circumstances. We need to rely on God’s Spirit to live in “His will” moment by moment. May you experience His joy this week!
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Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

 

My Music on CDs and Streaming

Listen to my music for free on my YouTube channel. To purchase digital albums or CDs, go to our website at HeartfeltMusic.org. Also, HearNow.com will point to other listening options like Spotify.

 

Leading Worship in the Bay Area

An aspect I love with Heartfelt Music is training musicians to lead worship in their churches. I have been working recently with three churches in Santa Clara, San Ramon, and San Jose.

 

Creating VCS Devotional Videos

One of my responsibilities at Valley Christian School is to create devotions for faculty who can’t make the in-person meetings. You may find these encouraging as well! Here’s the Playlist.

 

Up-Coming Events

October 22 (Sunday)
I’ll be leading worship and training at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am.
https://www.sjcrc.org/

August Update 2023

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Building Relationships

Last month, I highlighted Living a Balanced life with the idea of making choices to enjoy all you do and not get burned out. This month, I’d like to touch on how to build and maintain relationships that are positive and mutually beneficial. God wants us to love everyone as He loves them. But, Jesus demonstrated that it’s only natural to be closer to some people (such as the 12 disciples) and recognize some people are toxic and should be handled carefully (such a some Pharisees). In general, it’s best to be inclusive and “love your neighbor as yourself.” Maneuvering through the world of relationships can be complicated and frustrating as well as rewarding and encouraging. Stephen Covey, in his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (and his book on the added 8th Habit) gives 4 interpersonal habits for us to keep in mind to help us nurture our relationships with others. These have been very inspiring for me. Building relationships is not something we arrive at. It’s ongoing and must be intentional. We make plenty of mistakes along the way. May the following principles help you on your journey.

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1)  Think Win-Win [Habit 4]
Genuinely strive for mutually beneficial solutions or agreements in your relationships. Value and respect people by understanding a “win” for all.

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2)  Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood [Habit 5]
Use empathic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by you.

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3)  Synergize [Habit 6]
Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could do alone.

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4)  Find Your Voice and Inspire Others to Find Theirs [Habit 8]
Out of your uniqueness and strengths, find your influence.  Then help others find theirs. Watch out for the 5 cancerous behaviors:  criticism, complaining, comparing, competing, & contending.

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Thank you so much for being a part of the Heartfelt Music Ministry community. It’s because of your prayers and support that we are able to continue to lead others toward intimacy with God and toward excellence in artistry.

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Since it’s still summer, you may want to watch my Summer Home Concert on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/dpx16y_XN6o. I played all the songs on my latest album, Encore, and wrapped it up with My Prayer for You. I hope it encourages you!

 

Valley Christian School Begins

I’m continuing to teach music, guitar, worship and video at Valley Christian Schools with both junior high and high school. Last week, I played bass guitar for our first worshipful Convocation.

 

Summer Concert Series Recap

The Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series was such a blessing. Each concert brought in more people than ever! The last concert with Phillips, Craig & Dean had almost 700 attending.

 

Encore Summer Concert

Watch last month’s Summer Home Concert on my YouTube channel, with songs from the new album, Encore, (and My Prayer for You). You can hear clips of each song on the album Encore at HearNow.com.

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July Update 2023

Ministry Journal, Upcoming Events 1 Comment

 

Living a Balanced Life

Here we are in the middle of summer and it sure is flying by. I’m continuing to lead worship at various churches in the Bay Area and weekly train musicians and worship leaders in-person and through Zoom. I’m so grateful to help others excel in their musical and ministry endeavors.
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There are four Saturdays left of the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series. All the concerts are free, but you must register through iTickets. Veritas had to move to July 29, with Michael O’Brien, because of a family emergency. Here’s the new line-up:

I did a Summer Home Concert through Facebook Live which is now available on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/dpx16y_XN6o. I played all the songs on my latest album, Encore, and wrapped it up with My Prayer for You. I hope it encourages you!
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I’ve been hearing recently that more and more people are experiencing anxiety, emptiness, and despair. More pastors are feeling lonely; care workers are feeling discouraged; and teachers are feeling less valued. One way to personally work through this disheartening trend is by living a balanced life. How are we doing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? Stephen Covey, in his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, gives 4 personal habits for us to keep in mind to help us stay balanced and victorious in life. These have been very inspiring for me.
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1)  Be Proactive [Habit 1]
Take initiative in life by realizing that your decisions are the primary determining factor for effectiveness in your life. Take responsibility for your choices and the consequences that follow.
2)  Begin with the End in Mind [Habit 2]
Self-discover and clarify your deeply important character values and life goals. Envision the ideal characteristics for each of your various roles and relationships in life.
3)  Put First Things First [Habit 3]
Prioritize your life. Make sure you put the important things in your life before the many little things that can keep you from what matters most.
4)  Sharpen the Saw [Habit 7]
Balance and renew your resources, energy, and health to create a sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle. Make regular time to reload physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

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Our relationship with God is vital in maintaining a balanced life: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). God loves us deeply and wants us to enjoy an abundant life! May you experience intimacy with Jesus in a fresh way this summer!
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Thank you so much for your ongoing prayers and support for Heartfelt Music® Ministry. We couldn’t do this ministry without you.

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Upcoming Events

  • July 16 & 30 (Sundays)
    I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am.
  • July 23 (Sunday)
    I’ll be leading worship at San Ramon Presbyterian Church. It is located at 12700 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, (925) 543-7772. The service is at 9:00am.
  • August 3 (Thursday)
    I’ll be playing instrumental guitar music during an Ice Cream Social at Saratoga Retirement Community, 14500 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, CA  95070, 6:30pm-8:00pm.

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June Update 2023

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Joy and Hope through Music

I pray your summer is off to good start! This Saturday begins the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series, June 24, at 6:30pm, with Buddy Greene and two of his talented friends Jeff Taylor and Dave Dillard. All the concerts are free, but you must register through iTickets. Here’s the line-up:

This Sunday, June 25, I will be performing live online with a Summer Home Concert at 5:00pm, through Facebook Live. I’ll be doing songs from my new album, Encore, and special requests. Let me know what songs you’d like to hear beforehand so I can be ready (email me at [email protected]. Visit the HearNow.com website to hear the songs on Encore. All my products are available at the Heartfelt Music Ministry website. Hope you can join me on Sunday.
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Summer Begins

Fortunately, I’ve had a break for a couple of weeks between Valley Christian School and the Summer Concert Series with Mount Hermon. Lessons and worship leading are continuing throughout the summer.

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MH Concert Series

Buddy’s beautiful songwriting, singing, guitar playing, and harmonica playing will be enhanced by his multi-talented friends Jeff Taylor and Dave Dillard. They are an incredibly talented and hilarious trio.

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Encore Concert

Join me for a Summer Home Concert Sunday, June 25, at 5:00pm, with songs from my new album, Encore, and special requests. You can hear clips of each song on the album Encore at HearNow.com.

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Upcoming Events

  • June 25 (Sunday)
    I’ll be doing a Home Concert June 25 at 5:00pm through Facebook Live sharing songs from the new album Encore and playing some songs by special request.
  • July 2, 16, 30 (Sundays)
    I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am.
  • July 23 (Sunday)
    I’ll be leading worship at San Ramon Presbyterian Church. It is located at 12700 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, (925) 543-7772. The service is at 9:00am.

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May Update 2023

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Brandon's website VCS ConservatorySummer Home Concert

Spring into Action

This Spring has been marked by action – eternally significant action! It has been busier than usual, but so fulfilling seeing God renew and transform lives because of our ministry. I have been leading worship for San Jose Christian Reformed Church and San Ramon Presbyterian Church and will continue in the coming months. Valley Christian Schools has been coming to a crescendo this last week and is wrapping up this coming week (The photo above is of my Intro to Guitar and Electric Bass class). I will be teaching private music lessons in-person and through Zoom this summer beginning June 22 on Thursday afternoons. Let me know if you are interested.

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I will be performing live with a Summer Home Concert Sunday, June 25, at 5:00pm, with songs from my new album, Encore, and special requests. Let me know what songs you’d like to hear. Visit the HearNow.com website to hear the songs on Encore and access links to Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, etc. Check out all my products available at the Heartfelt Music Ministry website. May you be refreshed and drawn closer to God through these songs!

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I’ve been preparing and producing the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series, which will begin Saturday, June 24, at 6:30pm. All the concerts are free, but you must register for a ticket with iTickets. We’ll have seven amazing concerts this summer.

 

I am so grateful for you! Let me know what would encourage you and how I can craft ministry to help you. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

 

Memorial Day Encouragement

My dad, George Coates, fought in WWII at Wake Island and was taken as a POW for 4 years. My son, Brandon Coates, painted a creative image of the WWII Memorial in Washington DC while working at Sledghammer Games on their Call of Duty: WWII Game. May it honor veterans and remember their service for our freedom.

 

Valley Christian School Final Push

The VCS Guitar II & III classes, as well as the Worship Team, went busking on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz last month…such a good experience! All of my classes have been working toward the climax of this last week. It’s been fun teaching guitar for HS and video for JH. I’ve enjoyed developing devotional videos for the faculty this year.

 

Summer Home Encore Concert

It’s been a while since I have done a live home concert. Join me for a Summer Home Concert Sunday, June 25, at 5:00pm, with songs from my new album, Encore, and special requests. Let me know what songs you’d like to hear by emailing me at [email protected]. You can hear clips of each song on the album Encore at HearNow.com.

 

Upcoming Events

  • June 4 (Sunday)
    I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am.
  • June 18 (Sunday)
    I’ll be leading worship at San Ramon Presbyterian Church. It is located at 12700 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, (925) 543-7772. The service is at 9:00am.
  • June 25 (Sunday)
    I’ll be doing another Home Concert June 25 at 5:00pm through Facebook Live sharing songs from the new album Encore.

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April Update 2023

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Jesus Has Risen!

I hope you have been enjoying the build-up to tomorrow’s celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Join me at the Mount Hermon Conference Center’s Victory Circle at 6:30am for their Sunrise Service (our usual gathering at the Ponderosa Lodge Cross is closed for reconstruction). This week has been a reflection on what drove Jesus to the cross, our seperation from God. We need a Savior. I led worship for a gathering of four churches last night in Santa Clara during Good Friday and it was sobering to share communion as Jesus did before he went to the cross. “Remember me, my life given for you, and the New Covenant of my life in you.” On Easter, Jesus conquered death and, not only completely forgave us of our sin, but empowers us to live in His resurrection victory. May you experience His life in you today and everyday!

The ministry momentum for Heartfelt Music Ministry is creating an astounding influence in keeping with our Mission Statement: Leading others toward intimacy with God and excellence in artistry. We have just selected the worship team for next year at Valley Christian Schools in San Jose. What a joy to train these students to encourage 2300 students in worship during chapels. This winter and spring, I have been training musicians and leading worship for San Jose Christian Reformed Church and San Ramon Presbyterian Church. I’m continuing to mentor through private lessons in-person and through Zoom. I’ve been preparing and producing the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series, which is shaping up to be an inspiration for those who attend. We’ll have seven concerts this summer. Mark your calendars and join in the fun!

  • 6/24 – Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor and Ron Block
  • 7/1 – Southern Raised
  • 7/8 – Veritas
  • 7/15 – Nicole Nordeman
  • 7/22 – The King’s Brass
  • 7/29 – Michael O’Brien
  • 8/5 – Phillips, Craig & Dean

I hope you have been able to enjoy my new album, Encore. Visit the HearNow.com website to access links to Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, etc. Check out all my products available at the Heartfelt Music website.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers!

 

Family Time

I was able to spend a few day in Oregon visiting my son, daughter-in-law, and grand-daughter a couple of weeks ago. It was fun being together amidst the combination of snow, rain, and sunny days. They are so precious. I was able to be a handyman for a few days.

 

Private Lessons

If you are interested in private lessons/ coaching this summer, email me at [email protected]. “Reggie is an amazing teacher with a lot of energy, enthusiasm and love for music and the guitar. His knowledge is vast. My son loves Reggie and waits for his lesson.” ~ Nadiya

 

Encore Album

Listen to my newest album Encore at HearNow.com as well as my other 7 available albums: Heartfelt Worship, Heartfelt Celebration, Instrumental Guitar – Volume I, Instrumental Guitar – Volume II, Here & Now, Intimacy, and I Wish You a Mary Christmas.

 

Upcoming Events

  • April 9 (Sunday)
    I’ll be leading worship at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center’s Easter Sunrise Service. It is at 6:30am. It will be located at the Mount Hermon Conference Center’s Victory Circle. [It will not be held at the cross due to Ponderosa Lodge being temporarily closed for remodeling.]
  • April 16 (Sunday)
    I’ll be leading worship at San Ramon Presbyterian Church. It is located at 12700 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, (925) 543-7772. The service is at 9:00am.
  • April 23 (Sunday)
    I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am.

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February Update 2023

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Designing Ministry for 2023

I hope you are healthy and enjoying the start of a new year. Heartfelt Music Ministry is beginning 2023 with a great sense of anticipation! Ministry is continuing through mentoring young musicians at Valley Christian Schools, teaching private lessons, helping churches with their worship ministries, doing concerts, and organizing summer concerts for Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center. I’m specifically working with San Jose Christian Reformed Church and San Ramon Presbyterian Church in leading worship and encouraging their musicians.

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My new album, Encore, is out with new songs to inspire your faith in Christ. There was a delay in getting the album out because my voice wasn’t very strong in November and December, but finally it’s ready. It is now available to stream through Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music, and many more. Check out this page: https://reggiecoates.hearnow.com/encore.

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The music notation and guitar tablature is available for the first song on the album I’ll Worship with My Life. Visit my Gumroad page at https://reggie.gumroad.com/l/worshipwithmylife.

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Heartfelt Music Ministry is looking ahead to do more concerts both live and online, more training both individually and in groups, and more ministry with churches to lead others toward intimacy with God and excellence in artistry.

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Thank you for your encouragement for me to continue creating uplifting music and investing in others. It’s exciting to see how music can touch people’s lives. I appreciate your prayers!

 

Encore is Here!

The new album is out! Relationships are at the center of this new musical expression. It is now available to stream through Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music, and many more.

 

Generous Support

A huge “Thank you!” to those who gave so generously to help the new album come to fruition. Your gifts totalled $500, which was the goal! It’s so fulfilling to serve the Lord with you!

 

Music & Tab

My song I’ll Worship with My Life, from the new album Encore is now available digitally to purchase for only $2.99. It’s fully written out in music notation and guitar tablature.Go to my Gumroad.

 

Upcoming Events

  • March 5, 19 (Sundays)
    I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am.
  • March 12 (Sunday)
    I’ll be leading worship at San Ramon Presbyterian Church. It is located at 12700 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, (925) 543-7772. The service is at 9:00am.
  • April 9 (Sun)
    I’ll be leading worship at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center’s Easter Sunrise Service. It is at 6:30am. It will be located at Mount Hermon, CA 95041. It will not be held at the cross due to Ponderosa being temporarily closed for remodeling, but will be located either at Victory Circle (Conference Center) or the Pavilion (Redwood Camp).

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December Update 2022

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Merry Christmas!

On behalf of me, my family, and the Heartfelt Music® Ministry Board of Directors, we wish you a Merry Christmas and meaningful New Year celebration! May you feel refreshed and de-stressed during this holiday season.

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Two years ago, I did a Home Christmas Concert and created a Christmas album for you to enjoy. This Christmas, may the songs lift you up and remind you of what this season is all about.

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If you would like to watch it, here’s the link – https://youtu.be/MrUfoSszURM

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As some of you know, I wrote a Christmas song with a unique slant, I Wish You a Mary Christmas. The song refers to Martha in Luke 10 who was so busy with her preparations that she missed the most important thing. Her sister Mary understood that worshiping Jesus is more valuable to Him than serving. God’s priority is to be intimate with us in a loving relationship, so let’s slow down and worship Him through all we do, in good times and bad.

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I am almost done creating a new album called Encore, which will be released soon. This is a collection of six new songs and two medleys of my songs on the themes of God’s Love and Jesus in Me. I’ve finished recording all the songs and now I’m mastering them. What a joy to have new songs to share!

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This year has been full of ministry. The first semester of Valley Christian School has come to completion. The Worship Teams, Guitar classes and video classes that I teach have been so fun! I am also leading worship and training twice a month with San Jose Christian Reformed Church. I’m continuing to teach private music lessons (guitar, bass guitar, and voice), some in-person and some through Zoom.

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Thank you to those who generously donated to Heartfelt Music Ministry this last year! We appreciate you so much and definitely couldn’t do this ministry without you! Would you consider a year-end gift to enhance the impact or our ministry? You can donate to Heartfelt Music through Pay Pal Giving Fund with no fees taken out. If you buy anything on Amazon.com and go through Amazon Smile with Heartfelt Music Ministry as your cherity, we receive a percentage of your purchase without costing you anything extra. Same with eBay.com with eBay GivingWorks (listing Heartfelt Music as your Charity), we receive a contribution at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

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Upcoming Events

Jan 1 & 15 (Sundays)
Leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose Ca 95124. Service begins at 10:00am if you’d like to come. You can enjoy the service at home online at http://www.sjcrc.org/videos.

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November Update 2022

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Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you are enjoying some vacation and family time with rest and reflection. I am so thankful for Sherri and my family for the joy they bring me. I’m thankful for Valley Christian School where I can mentor youth through music and influence them toward Christ. I’m thankful for Heartfelt Music® Ministry and the opportunity to create and share my music to encourage others as well as train musicians in worship leading and artistic excellence. I’m so grateful for those who helped us reach our goal of $500 to finish the album Encore. I’m also thankful for you! It’s very encouraging to know you and others pray for me and follow what the Lord is doing through Heartfelt Music®. Thank you for your continued support!

 

Upcoming Events

Dec 4 & 18 (Sun)
Leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose Ca 95124. Service begins at 10:00am if you’d like to come. You can enjoy the service at home online at http://www.sjcrc.org/videos.

 

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October Update 2022

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New Album and You

Encore is my new album! This last summer, I wanted to write new songs and a couple of medleys that focus on God’s love and the amazing presence of Jesus in us. Encore is a French word that means “more” or “again.” It’s known for a reappearance or additional performance demanded by an audience. The idea is that after 85 songs written throughout my life there are more songs coming out. On the Encore album, there’s a new worship song, an instrumental, songs for my son and grand-daughter, an intimate prayer, two medleys of my popular songs, and a song about working through conflicts at work.

 

  • I’ll Worship with My Life
  • God’s Love Medley (No Greater Love, All for You, Happy in Your Love)
  • You Pick Me Up
  • Hold Me
  • You Will Make a Way
  • Let’s Work it Out
  • Jesus in Me Medley (Christ Only Always, Living in Jesus, Jesus Lives in Me)
  • Time With You

 

We need $500 for cover art, worldwide streaming through CD baby, about 50 CDs through Disk Makers, copyright registration, and digital distribution through Gumroad. We will receive the amount donated even if we don’t reach the goal (some fees will be taken out). Because I am a ProTools certified instructor through Avid (ACI), I will be able to record at home at no cost.

 

The songs are of the same genre as my previous recordings with me singing and playing acoustic, electric and bass guitars. You will experience the same honesty and encouragement in Christ. Your donation will greatly help finish this project and influence others toward Christ through music. Visit the Indiegogo.com website to contribute.

New Album Entitled Encore

I’ve been writing songs this summer for a new album called Encore. I just finished the songwriting and arrangements, but now I need to record them and get them ready for publication. Hope to have it ready in time for Christmas.

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Donate toward the Encore Album – Indiegogo

You can help complete the Encore album by donating through Indiegogo. All contributions go to Heartfelt Music Ministry toward the new album. Click on the thumbnail picture above and read all the details. Thank you for considering!
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Singing to My Grand-Daughter

In September, Sherri and I visited our grand-daughter in Oregon as we helped my son and his wife move. It was so fun to sing to her the song I wrote for her using my son’s guitar. It’s called You Pick Me Up. The song will be on the Encore album.

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Upcoming Events

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October 30 (Sun)
Leading worship with the Valley Christian High School Worship Team at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose Ca 95124. Service begins at 10:00am if you’d like to come.
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November 6 (Sun)
Leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose Ca 95124. Service begins at 10:00am if you’d like to come.

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