A Time to Be Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving! I pray this weekend will be a personal refreshment as you reflect on how amazing God is. In the midst of such a difficult time this pandemic is producing, we can look to God’s consistent character, His unfailing understanding of our unique situation, and His powerful presence to transform any circumstance into something meaningful and miraculous.

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Have you noticed that decorating for Christmas has started so early this year? We have our Christmas trees up already. We can also start early focusing our attention on Jesus who invaded this earth to bring us abundant life. As we celebrate family, friends, food, and holiday enjoyment, show hearts of gratitude. We have a lot to be thankful for! May God revitalize your spirit and give you peace as you look to Him in all you do.

Reasons to Give Thanks

“I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:1. And from my song Here to Worship, “You deserve our praise. In so many ways we honor You with deep felt devotion. You deserve our love. Can’t stop thinking of your wond’rous grace, Your loving compassion. Thank You, Lord! Praise You, Jesus!”

Giving Tuesday, Amazon & eBay

December 1 is Giving Tuesday. You can donate to Heartfelt Music through Pay Pal Giving Fund. If you buy anything on Amazon.com, go through Amazon Smile and we receive a portion of your purchase without costing you anything extra. Same with eBay.com with eBay GivingWorks. If you purchase anything on eBay and list Heartfelt Music as your Charity, we receive a portion of it.

Home Concerts with Reggie

I will be offering another online concert and worship experience Sunday, November 29 at 5:00pm. Join me as I share inspirational stories and my music. I’ll be taking requests! Then, on Sunday, December 13 at 5:00pm, I’ll be giving a Christmas concert and carol sing, celebrating the miracle of Jesus’ incarnation. Hope you can make it! My Facebook account is at https://www.facebook.com/reggie.coates.1.

Coming Events

• November 29 (Sunday) – 5:00pm-6:00pm
  Online concert. Join me as I share inspirational stories and my music on Facebook LIVE. My Facebook account is at https://www.facebook.com/reggie.coates.1
• December 13 (Sunday) – 5:00pm-6:00pm
  Online concert. Join me as I share Christmas carols and songs on Facebook LIVE. My Facebook account is at https://www.facebook.com/reggie.coates.1

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Life Can Get So Complicated

So much has happened in the last couple of months. We had to evacuate Mount Hermon for ten days because of the fires. That was very scary thinking our home would go up in flames. Fortunately, the fires didn’t reach us and we are overflowing with thankfulness. Valley Christian School started back up in August and the teachers have been ordered to go back to the campus still teaching remotely and having a few students attend “live.” Fortunately, there are many COVID19 precautions set up for both the teachers and the students. I just enjoy teaching, whether online or in person. My sister had some health issues which took almost a month to sort out, but she is better now. I’ve had two extremely difficult interactions with close friends lately that really threw me for a loop. All this to say life can get so complicated! What gives me an absolutely hopeful perspective is knowing that the main character in this story is Jesus Himself. He knows the emotional uncertainty we felt with our home, the pandemic, family health, and friends. He cares about it all. It’s not complicated for Him. I can trust through it all and know He will work it out for good (Romans 8:28)! Thank you for your prayers and support through these changing times. I’m praying for you as well.

I’ll be doing another concert online Sunday, October 25, at 5:00. We just did some reorganizing of the Heartfelt Music Ministry Officers and Board of Directors and have added Lindsey Coates as the new Secretary. Also, after six months of financially doing pretty well, Heartfelt Music is experiencing some crunch and could use some help. See below for more details.

Online Concert with Reggie

I will be offering another online concert October 25, 5:00pm! This will be at my home with acoustic guitar and vocal tapestry. Join me as I share inspirational stories and music on Facebook LIVE. I would love to hear suggestions of songs you’d like to hear.  You can email me at [email protected]. My Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/reggie.coates.1

New Heartfelt Music Secretary

I’m very happy to announce that Lindsey Coates is the new Secretary for Heartfelt Music Ministry! Not only is she super fun to be around, but she brings a wealth of experience professionally. She works in Advancement with George Fox University in Oregon and has a keen understanding of non-profit organizations.

Donating at This
Time

This has been a difficult time for many businesses financially because of COVID19. Heartfelt Music Ministry has been maintaining for the past six months, but this month is experiencing difficulties too. If the Lord puts it on your heart to help financially, visit our website by clicking HERE and see a number of options to help us out. Thank you!

Staying in Touch

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A Heart of Gratitude

“According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 1 out of every 3 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 will experience an anxiety disorder. Whether the culprit is social media, lack of sleep, increased scholastic pressure, or screen time, the verdict is simple: Our kids need help.
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“Thankfully, emerging evidence reveals an organic way to combat anxiety and depression: Gratitude. According to author Jerusha Clark, ‘Gratitude and anxiety are mutually exclusive neural pathways. You physiologically cannot be grateful and anxious at the same time.’ One way to foster gratitude is to simply pay attention to your life. Be fully present in every single tiny moment, and remember that life itself is a gift. So, in a world filled with darkness, we’re choosing to see the light, to be grateful for the good.” Let’s experience victory through Christ with hearts of gratitude and a joy that is like a sweet perfume in this world.
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Thank you for your prayers and continued encouragement toward Heartfelt Music@ Ministry. I hope you will consider one of the following avenues to help us touch the lives of thousands of people affected by our ministry. God has allowed me to have influence on 2300 students at Valley Christian School, hundreds of those who fellowship at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, thousands of people coming to the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series, and hundreds of folks who listen to my music and learn guitar through the resources Heartfelt Music® has created (See Gumroad.com). I feel honored to have these opportunities. Your donations to Heartfelt Music® greatly help this ministry make a powerful impact. Click here to learn more.

Contributions One-Time or Monthly

“I thank my God for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil 1:3 & 5). Please consider a one-time gift or regular contribution to Heartfelt Music Ministry which is tax-deductible. Choose us as your ministry/missions organization in giving regular financial support.

Donate with PayPal Giving Fund

PayPal Giving Fund is another way to donate to Heartfelt Music® Ministry and receive a tax deduction, as we are an official non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

Click here to learn more about giving to Heartfelt Music® Ministry.

AmazonSmile Donates to us

Many people shop through Amazon.com, but don’t realize that it’s sister organization AmazonSmile helps non profit organizations earn money. At no extra cost to you, Amazon will donate a portion of whatever you spend at Smile.Amazon.com to our ministry. What a deal! Support us every time you shop!

Upcoming Events

~ December 1 (Sunday)
I am leading worship at Gilroy Presbyterian Church as we celebrate Advent and the birth of Jesus, 10:00am. 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The African Choir will be performing.

~ December 8 (Sunday)
I am leading worship at Gilroy Presbyterian Church as we celebrate Advent and the birth of Jesus, 10:00am. 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The children will be performing a short Christmas pageant.

~ December 15 (Sunday)
I am leading worship at Gilroy Presbyterian Church as we celebrate Advent and the birth of Jesus, 10:00am. 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The GPC Choir will be performing.

~ December 22 (Sunday)
I am leading worship at Gilroy Presbyterian Church as we celebrate Advent and the birth of Jesus, 10:00am. 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The African Choir and the GPC Choir will be performing.

~ December 24 (Tuesday)
I am leading the special Christmas Eve service at Gilroy Presbyterian Church as we celebrate Advent and the birth of Jesus, 5:00pm. 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The GPC Choir will be performing and student brass players from the local high school will be performing.

Social Media with Reggie Coates

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Summer is here!

I hope your summer is off to a great start! During May, there’s been a lively amount of ministry events with Heartfelt Music® one-on-one lessons; weekly leading worship at Gilroy Presbyterian Church; wrapping up the spring semester at Valley Christian Schools; teaching at the National Worship Leader Conference in Nashville; and gearing up for the free Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series.
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Producing the seven concerts at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center is the biggest thing for me this summer. We begin this Saturday night, 6/15, with Sanctus Real (see below). Visit the Summer Concert Page for all the details and register for the yummy buffet dinner just before the concert. Here’s a list of who is coming:

• June 15 – Sanctus Real
• June 22 – The King’s Brass
• June 29 – Fernando Ortega
• July 6 – Buddy Greene
• July 13 – Phil Keaggy
• July 20 – Aaron Shust
• July 27 – Point of Grace
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This summer, I am working on podcasts, new recordings, training workshops and videos, writing out my music, and setting up concerts. I’m using the summer to get ready for the Fall.
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I appreciate your faithful encouragement, continuing to uphold me and Heartfelt Music® in prayer. Also, I have to give a big “Thank You!” to those who are giving support financially. If you’d like to help in this way, visit our Support page at https://heartfeltmusic.org/about/support/. Also, you can turn your Father’s Day shopping into a force for good. As you shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1987382, Amazon donates to Heartfelt Music and Ministry, Inc.

Sanctus Real in Concert

As a part of the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series, Sanctus Real will be in concert this Saturday, June 15, at 7:30pm in the main auditorium at the Mount Hermon Conference Center (37 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon. CA 95041). After 20 years of touring, 24 radio hits and full album sales exceeding 750,000, Sanctus Real cemented itself as a trusted brand in Christian music. Songs like Lead Me have influenced many over the years. The original members Mark Graalman and Chris Rohman have added Dustin Lolli, as Sanctus Real’s new lead singer and creative influence. With their new album Changed, the band communicates that nothing’s ever a lost cause in the kingdom of heaven. Listen to their new song on YouTube.com Unstoppable God.

Private Lessons This Summer

I will be teaching guitar this summer in Los Altos and Mount Hermon, and through Skype every week on Thursdays. I will tailor the lessons for each student and the schedule is customizable as well. When I’m not in your area, you can take lessons through Skype (or FaceTime) in order to make it weekly. Let me know what you’d like to do so I can plan ahead. Let me also know what time would work for you and if you’d like a 30 minute or 45 minute lesson. I will also be giving lessons in voice, bass guitar, recording music (ProTools), writing out music (Sibelius), and music theory. I’ll be in Los Altos at Bridges Community Church June 13, 27, July 11, 25, and August 8. I’ll be in Mount Hermon June 20, July 18, and August 1. Call me to set up lessons at 925-206-9895.

Download Albums and Written Music

You can download my digital product at Gumroad.com/Reggie. I have seven CDs available, music written out, three free singles (There Is Room, Flame, and Remember), and the results of a survey I took with worship leaders from the Bay Area. With some of the albums, I have stories behind each song and inspiration as to why I wrote them.
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You can also purchase physical CDs or digital CDs at cdbaby.com.  I have three CDs available there: Here & Now, Instrumental Guitar Vol. I, and Heartfelt Celebration. Another way to hear my music is on Spotify and other streaming services. The cool thing is that every time you stream my song on one of these platforms, I get paid a few cents for royalties. Thanks for listening to my music! That means a lot to me!

Upcoming Events

June 13 (Thursdays)
Summer private lessons starting up in Los Altos, Mount Hermon, and through Skype. Call 925-206-9895 for more info.
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June 16, 23, 30 (Sundays)
I’ll be regularly leading worship at the Gilroy Presbyterian Church services on Sundays, 10:00am. 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020.
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June 23 (Sunday)
I’ll be doing music for a special private wedding in the afternoon.
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July 8-12 (Mon-Fri)
I’ll be leading worship at the Joni & Friends Retreat at Mission Springs in Scotts Valley, Monday through Friday. It’s a retreat for Special Needs families through Joni Erickson-Tada’s ministry. Visit their website for more information https://www.joniandfriends.org/ministries/family-retreats/

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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!

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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