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Hoping you’re having a good start to the 2010 new year.  There are many developments  through Heartfelt Music Ministry, opportunities for you to be encouraged, and a few requests for prayer.  God is leading the way and opening doors for ministry and training others for ministry.

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I will be doing an intimate concert this Sunday night at Creekside Community Church in Alamo (6:30pm-8:00pm) sharing stories through multiple guitars and voice with brand new songs and favorites too.  This Wednesday, I’ll begin two beginning guitar8 week courses for 5th-8th grade students called Fun Guitar Class 1.  One is in Scotts Valley (Baymonte Christian School, 7:30am) and the other in Alamo (Creekside Community Church, 5:00pm).  January 25th begins an online two week course called Essential Guitar Worship Series: Strumming and Finger Picking, Level 1 .  I’m also working on the continuing Level 2 course for intermediate guitarists.  Mark your calendars for the BASS Convention Thu-Sat, March 4-6, at Redwood Chapel in Castro Valley.  I’ve helped expand the Worship/Music workshops from 6 classes last year to 15 this year.  Key leaders involved for this year is Luis Palao, John Ortberg, and Tommy Walker.  This year, I’ll be singing in the conference vocal ensemble.  I’m continuing with private music lessons in San Jose, Los Altos and Alamo.  There are some openings in each location for lessons.  We have some good discussions on the Guitar Notes Christian Forum and welcome your input.

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Continue praying for each avenue of ministry as it’s all about giving God the glory.

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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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The Coates family has experienced some big changes in the last few months.  I’m still working in Alamo as the Associate Pastor with Creekside Community Church, but we moved back to our home in Mount Hermon due to our difficult economy.  The summer went by very fast.  I celebrated a year with Creekside Community Church in June, Sherri and I had our 25th wedding anniversary in July,  and we moved in August.  August 15th I earned a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.  Below is a short clip of me breaking two boards with a jump back kick.  Brandon and Austin are into Tae Kwon Do as well, plus they are playing the guitar like crazy.  Austin’s even playing keyboard.  We’re all doing very well and appreciate your prayers as we unpack boxes and make our house a home.

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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 summer holds some concerts and conferences you may not want to miss.

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Christian Guitarist Fellowship

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The Christian Guitarist Fellowship is a monthly event for all Christian guitarists the first Sunday of each month, 2:00pm-4:00pm . Everyone is invited from beginners to advanced players.
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(CANCELED) Reggie Concert & Family Movie Night  (CANCELED)

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This concert has been postponed to early Fall.

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Yellow Wood Coffee & Tea,
Reggie’s Guitar Instrumental Music

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Reggie will be performing a variety of instrumental music on acoustic guitar (jazz, classical, rock, celtic, and easy listening).  He’ll be using his entertaining effects and musical artistry. Come on by to relax and enjoy the music. It’s free!

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Lift Him Up Worship Training Conference

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The “Lift Him Up” Worship Training Conference is for all who are involved in the various aspects of worship.  Reggie Coates, Mark Kenoly and the band Kingdom Voice are the featured artists and instructors.

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Mount Hermon’s Christian Songwriters Conference

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WRITE, LEARN, EAT, & 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.

This weekend, I’ll be leading worship for the second Father/Son “Mountain Men” Retreat at Sugarpine Christian Conference Center.  There will be over 200 men and their sons.  Pray that it will have a strong spiritual impact on the lives of all who attend.

The Coates family is enjoying life in the Danville area.  Sherri is busy nurturing Brandon and Austin as they are growing like crazy (both are taller than me now).  She is also involved at Creekside Community Church with girls in the Middle School Ministry, with greeting on Sunday mornings in the Frontline Ministry, and helping care for the babies in the Nursery Ministry.  She truly makes our house a home with her laughter and love.   Brandon is now 17 and will be driving soon.  He is enjoying drawing and the High School youth group at church.  Austin is 14 and is continuing in Tae Kwon Do and Gumdo.  Both of them like Venture School (although they think they have too much homework).  This week has been fun for me to be on vacation and spend time with family.  Last weekend was so nice to be at Sugarpine Christian Conference Center’s Father and Son Retreat.  I took Brandon and Austin and felt like it was one of the best times ever with a time of playing paintball, the cabin hang-time, prayer for each other and honest appreciation of each other.  Sherri’s birthday was this week and we’ve had some good moments of celebration.  All in all, we’re doing well.  May God bless you as you keep him first in all you do! If you get a chance, visit me on Facebook, Twitter or MySpace.

Fatal accident

I am stunned to hear of the sudden death of Mike Swalley.  Last Monday, he was hit head-on by another car (the article is at http://pattersonirrigator.com/content/view/3073/42/ .  I lived with Mike for a few years during our college years in San Jose where we became friends.  We worked in Young Life together helping to change teens lives which is where I experienced his compassion and love for people.  We played guitar together and he helped me start a guitar group called JAM in the early ’80s.  Just recently, I began a new guitar group in Alamo called the Christian Guitarist Fellowship and Mike came to the first one, February 1, 2009, with his children Laura and Brian who both brought guitars to learn.  I gave them their first guitar lesson while Mike beamed as a proud father.  Mike had a heart of Gold…had a deep love for God, his family, and people.  I am in tears thinking about this tragedy, though I know He is experiencing unbelievable joy and peace in God’s presence right now.  My heart goes out to Michelle, Laura (14) and Brian (6).  My dad died when I was 6 years old and my mom died when I was 14.  Though it was very difficult, God used it to draw me closer to Him, shape my character, and value people like never before.  I pray this will happen for the Swalley family as well.  Please pray for them!

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Coming Events

March 1 (Sun) The Christian Guitarist Fellowship in Alamo
March 6 (Fri) The BASS Convention in Castro Valley
March 13 (Fri) Private Lessons in Danville
March 20 (Fri) Private Lessons in Los Altos
April 5 (Sun) The Christian Guitarist Fellowship in Alamo
April 17-19 (Fri-Sun) Sugarpine Father/Son Mountain Men I Retreat in Oakhurst
April 24-26 (Fri-Sun) Sugarpine Father/Son Mountain Men II Retreat in Oakhurst

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!