From the joy of reflecting on Christ’s birth to the difficulties of our strained economy, this December has mixed emotions to say the least.  Keeping our eyes on Christ will give us the hope necessary to keep a fervent faith into 2009 (“…Christ in you, the hope of glory” Colossians 1:27).  May you have a hope-filled Christmas and New Years during the next couple of weeks.
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The culmination of this past year for Heartfelt Music has been one of meaningful ministry and successful equiping in a variety of ways.  Through Christian Conference Centers (i.e. Mount Hermon; Sugarpine), church training events (i.e. New Life Community Church, VA; Lincoln Glen Church, CA), private lessons (i.e. Los Altos; Danville), Band, Guitar, Voice, & Songwriting instruction (i.e. Bethany University; Los Altos Christian School),  online training (i.e. worshipteleseminar.com; guitarnotes.com), worship leading (i.e. First Baptist Church of Los Altos; Creekside Community Church, Alamo), special conferences (i.e. Christian Guitar & Bass Conference, CA; Worship Wayfarer Conference, OR), concerts (i.e. Silver Spur Tean Camp; Cambrian Park), and mentoring sessions (i.e. BASS Convention; Creekside Community Church Worship Intern Program).  It has been very fulfilling for me to invest in so many lives and see God’s glory manifested in so many lives.
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Heartfelt Music Ministry will continue to touch peoples lives and train them for ministry in 2009.  One of the events to put on your calendar, if you are a guitarist near the Bay Area, is a monthly Guitarist Fellowship beginning Sunday, February 1, at Creekside Community Church in Alamo.  More information to come.
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The Coates family has seen many changes as we’ve transitioned from Mount Hermon to Danville.  We are doing well.  Brandon and Austin are finding they really like Venture School in San Ramon and are now taller than I am.  Sherri is enjoying fixing up the house for the holidays and caring for the three men in her life.  All of us are thankful to be ministering with Creekside Community Church who are wonderful people to be with.  Thank you for your prayers for our family and for Heartfelt Music Ministry.  We appreciate you!
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Merry Christmas!
Reggie

It is the season of Thanksgiving which causes us to reflect on what we’re thankful for.  With hearts of gratitude, both the board of Heartfelt Music Ministry and the Coates family thank you very much for who you are and your prayerful care for us.  May the Lord richly reveal His blessings during this season and give you reason to stand in awe of His love and faithfulness.

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Saturday, at Lincoln Glen Church in San Jose, the afternoon proved to be the highlight as I worked with the musicians in a Leading Worship Effectively and Team Building workshop.  They soaked up the information presented and played through a couple of songs for me to observe.  They were an exemplary team with lots of expression and a well-rounded sound as a band.  We all went out to Chinese food after the workshop which was a great time to talk and share with old friends (a couple people came who I haven’t seen in years).  The twist came at the concert in the evening.  We couldn’t get my electric guitar to work.  This was disappointing to me since I planned some new material and wanted to use the “Talk Box” in the set.  So, it ended up an acoustic night, but well received.  God has a way of working things out for good (Romans 8:28)!

One of my favorite things to do is help people grow stronger in the areas God is calling them to excel in.  Both of the training days, in California  October 11 and Virginia October 18, were packed full of empowering others in the areas of songwriting, guitar playing, bass playing, singing, worship leading, and living a lifestyle of worship.  It is so fulfilling to invest in people who are anxious to learn new things willing to apply them right away toward God’s glory.  During the concert in California, at Creekside Community Church (Alamo), I introduced a new sound for me with the “Talk Box” tool on the electric guitar during my new song Flame.   The response was very enthusiastic.  In Virginia, at New Life Community Church, the time with their worship team had a significant effect.  Through rehearsal on Friday and training all day Saturday, they led worship with me in a powerful way on Sunday morning.  It’s amazing to realize God is working consistently and powerfully in individuals clear across the nation.  In both locations, I was able to see friends from years past and joyfully catch up with them.  Thanks for your prayers.

The Worship Wayside Retreat in Oregon was truly refreshing.  Seeing friends who’ve come to past training sessions and meeting new worship leaders hungry to learn was fun and inspirational.  Conferees enjoyed the intimate feel and quality teachers over the two day event.  I was very grateful for the encouragement I received from a number of those attending my workshops.  Here’s one email I received:

“Hi Reggie, I just wanted to thank you for your part in the worship conference I attended last weekend at Trail Christian Fellowship. I appreciate you sharing your expertise to help others play skillfully unto the Lord. Thanks for the chord charts and finger exercises. I am very motivated to practice now and hopefully I can establish a good habit of regular practice to improve my skill, not just prepare a set of songs for the next sunday…Thank you, and keep up doing what you do. Your role is extremely important to the Body of Christ!  God Bless You!”  Jim Redd  ( o )====:::

The Labor Day Family Retreat at Sugarpine Christian Conference Center was a blast.  Many lives were touched by the music and the message.  The speaker was a mime who performs professionally.  His comedy and drama presentations were so unique and meaningful.  Some of the most fulfilling times were when conferees came up to me and commented on how their life was enriched through the years by my music (I was at this camp four years ago).  Sometimes I wonder if any ministry continues after a great weekend like this.  So, hearing from a handful of people about specific songs or CDs which have encouraged them or their children over and over again is so delightful for me.  God is so good!

The Mount Hermon Songwriter’s Conference was a success for all.  There was a great turn out and the program was very well done.  The best part was the people involved and their humble attitudes.  When you get big named people like Paul Baloche, Joy Williams, Charlie Peacock and Don Moen, it’s refreshing to relate to them as experienced family members.  I led two well attended workshops.  I was able to encourage many participants which provided new friendships and some networking for some who are just beginning their journey of songwriting.  The craft of songwriting is such a great tool to glorify God and help others creatively express their faith.  Thank you for your prayers.

The week at Silver Spur proved to be both meaningful and fulfilling.  Over eight teenagers gave their life to Christ for the first time and over 20 made the commitment to walk closer to Christ and grow as Christians.  It was energizing for me to know that most of the teens wanted to worship through music and not just have their ears tickled.  The camp speaker, Ray Spann, was also a musician and ministered with me to accent the week in a wonderful way.  My buds on percussion and vocals added a lot to the worship times.  Thank you for your prayers!

I’ve finally joined the world of web wayfarers in building bonds through blogging.  A big change is this new site, thanks to Mount Hermon’s Web Master Dan Dawson.   I would like to invite more interaction and discussion on all topics posted here regularly by me.  I realize those who are following the journey of Heartfelt Music & Ministry are varied in every way — from an eight year old guitar student to an 89 year old prayer partner; from concert goers to worship pastors; from MySpace maniacs to YouTube teachers; from brand new Christians to those seasoned in faith for many years.  I celebrate the diversity and think it’s wonderful to dialog together about important topics such as faith, music, and worship.  It would be a delight to hear from you and converse on the topics presented.  Thank you for your continued encouragement and support.