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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I’m teaching guitar lessons all day this Friday in Los Altos (10:30am-9:00pm).  Each student is unique and important.  God is using each one in their own arena leading worship in churches throughout the Bay Area.  One sings and plays for Juvenile Hall, one for a Christian Conference Center, and a couple play lead electric guitar.  All ten love God and want to use their talents to glorify God.  Coaching these students not only empowers them to unleash their full potential, but it also inspires me to see their determination, skill, and faith.  Pray that God would bless each lesson!

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)!

Hope you can come Saturday, October 25th, 7:00pm, at Lincoln Glen Church in San Jose (2700 Booksin Ave., San Jose, CA  95125; Contact Larry Albright (408) 267-3663 x813).  I’ll “pull out the stops” with both electric and acoustic guitars and a message to inspire your faith in Christ.  There is a workshop that same afternoon called Leading Worship Effectively and Team Building from 3:00pm to 5:00pm also at Lincoln Glen Church.  The cost is $20.00.  You can register at the door or online at https://heartfeltmusic.org/academy/workshops/ .

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.

Two months ago, the Coates family embarked on an all-encompassing move to Danville, California.  It’s been a very good experience so far.  I’m actively involved with Creekside Community Church and enjoying the ministry immensely.  Sherri and the boys are actively involved in the church too which is one of the reasons we made the move.  At home, we’re almost unpacked from all the boxes and the house we’re in is a tremendous blessing.  Many of you know some of the trials we’ve experienced over the years, so you can understand the significance when I say, at this time in our life, we feel such a peace, a great sense of love, and a genuine joy about life.  God has been leading and making a way for us which has been both comforting and faith-building.   Brandon is a junior and Austin is a freshman in high school (time flies when you’re having fun!).  Both of them are excelling in school.  We’d love to hear from you when you get a chance.  Thanks for your care for us.  May you feel God loving on you daily.

I’ll be holding a Training Day at New Life Community Church, VA, Saturday, October 18, 2008, from 9:00am to 5:30pm.  There will be five intensive workshops throughout the day.  Then on Saturday evening at 6:00pm, I’ll be in concert with a meaningful message and inspirational music.  It’s free!.  See the Calendar Page to get more information.
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OCTOBER 18, 2008 (SATURDAY) New Life Community Church 1449 Courthouse Rd. Stafford, VA 22554 (540) 659-5356
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FIVE INTENSIVE TRAINING WORKSHOPS: • Creative Songwriting – 9:00AM • Dynamic Guitar in Worship – 10:30AM • Improving Your Singing – 1:00PM • Leading Worship Effectively – 2:30PM • Worship Infusion – 4:00PM
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For details, registration, and payment options about each workshop CLICK HERE.

I’ll be holding a Training Day at Creekside Community Church in Alamo, CA, Saturday, October 11, 2008, from 9:00am to 5:30pm.  There will be five intensive workshops throughout the day.  Then on Sunday evening at 6:00pm, I’ll be in concert with a meaningful message and inspirational music.  It’s free!.  See the Calendar Page to get more information.
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Creekside Community Church 1350 Danville Blvd., Alamo, 94507 (925) 820-9031
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FIVE INTENSIVE TRAINING WORKSHOPS: • Creative Songwriting – 9:00AM • Dynamic Guitar in Worship – 10:30AM • Leading Worship Effectively – 1:00PM • Improving Your Singing – 2:30PM • Beginning Bass Guitar – 4:00PM.
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For details, registration, and payment options about each workshop CLICK HERE.

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!