Over a dozen years encouraging saints around the world !! (1991-2004)

Our background MIDI is "Send Forth Your Light",
arranged by Hiland Overgaard (from Minnesota)

RALPH MERRIFIELD
A Little More Personal Info...

December 2001

FAMILY

I married my wife in 1979. 
We currently live with our three children
in historic New England with our 
dog (Darcy) and noisy parakeet (Emily)!)


EDUCATION:

Music Composition Degree 
from Westfield State College,
Westfield MA (1975-1979)
(God has still been gracious to use my songs
in spite of the formal training !! )

Various songwriting/worship seminars led by Gerrit Gustafson, 
Gary Sadler, Kent Henry, Bob Fitts, Graham Kendrick, 
Randy Rothwell, Gloria Gaither  and Bob Kauflin

Misc. graduate classes at Framingham State College and
the International School of Theology (Campus Crusade)

Gained much songwriting insight through the concerts & recordings of
Bill and Gloria Gaither, Michael W. Smith, Don Moen, 
Twila Paris, Darlene Zschech, Delirious, Rebecca St. James,
Paul Baloche, Cheri Keaggy, Randy Stonehill and John W. Peterson

CHURCH MINISTRIES

Elder, New Hope Chapel, 1991 - present
Worship Leader, New Hope Chapel, 1986 - present,
Helping to lead a Seeker Bible Study,
periodic Board member and chairman
(come join us some Sunday morning !!)
New Hope Chapel, Westboro MA

Music Leader at various Crossroads and church
retreats and seminars

MISSIONARY SERVICE

We served with Campus Crusade for Christ 1979 - 1983 at their
International Headquarters in San Bernardino, CA
(Mass Media & International School of Theology,
Computer & Personnel Departments)

Since 1983, I have served as Business Manager with Crossroads in Sudbury MA,
an interdenominational Christian ministry teaching principals of 
intimacy and grace through weekly Bible Studies and periodic seminars.
I've also served on their Board of Directors since 1985.

when I was just a kid!
circa 1987

Among those who most often teach at Crossroads...

Jack Gerry (founder of Crossroads),
Wayne Anderson (Centering Ministries),
Wayne Jacobsen (Body Life Ministries, author and speaker).

HOBBIES and JOYS IN LIFE

Songwriting,
collecting old hymnals,
playing with the family,
reading biographies about musicians
and histories behind hymns & choruses,

(I'm still searching for an inexpensive copy ($50)
of the "Dictionary Of Hymnology"  by John Julian.
Anyone have one??)

Puttering around our yard and gardens,
having contact with songwriters and hymnwriters,
family history research

OCCUPATIONS

I work as the Business Manager
at Lombard Equipment in Mendon, MA.

Lombard Equipment is the New England Distributor
for Chisum Repair Systems, Maxima, LaserMate and ProSpot
(manufacturers of top quality frame straightening,
measuring and welding systems for auto body shops).
I began work with Lombard in February 1994.

I still serve as Business Manager at Crossroads
several hours each month - my lunchtime job...(see description above)

In recent years, I also picked up bookkeeping work at
New Covenant Christian School and SMT Consulting.

photo by Sarah
December 2002

Last Updated  9/6/05

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