Laura Story Elvington: A Life Worth Living

Is your life being radically transformed by the gospel?  For me, I remember my early years of becoming a follower of Jesus and the excitement I felt when reading His Word and spending long hours in prayer and worship.  But like any love relationship, the honeymoon season ends and that feeling of closeness fades in the midst of the realities of life.  But does it have to?  Come hear a story of God’s redeeming, steadfast love, a love that longs to rescue you from stagnate spirituality, boring bible study and rule based religion.

Laura has been playing music professionally for the past ten years and has had songs recorded by Chris Tomlin, Caedmon's Call and Andrew Peterson. She was nominated for three Dove awards for the song "Indescribable". Her latest CD with I.N.O. Records, "Great God Who Saves" was recorded with three time Dove award winning producer of the year, Ed Cash. Laura also leads worship at Perimeter Church.

She lives in Alpharetta and has been married to her high school sweetheart Martin Elvington for six years.

September 22
 

Kimberly Fleek:  Revelation - Seeing the World (and Yourself) Through the Eyes of a Glorious God
 

Have you ever wondered how God sees you and how He sees the crazy world we live in? After having served in ministry in 14 different countries, Kimberly Fleek thought she had that figured out.  Her recent experience in living in Indonesia for over 2 years, running a medical clinic in a rice farming village under Islamic law,  taught her otherwise.  She will share how she is still learning to see people of all cultures and daily experiences of all kinds- the funny, the mundane, and the miraculous- in light of God’s glory.   And she will share what she feels is her most important lesson thus far.
 

Since graduating from Emory’s Physician Assistant program, Kimberly has loved  practicing family medicine for 8 years.  She  also loves spending time helping refugees resettle in Clarkston (where she currently lives), and telling stories about the greatness of God. She helps to coordinate and teach the “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” course, runs a cross cultural ministry training program for missionary candidates, and recently published a book entitled “Degrees of Sight.”   (Available at www.degreesofsight.blogspot.com)
 

In her free time, Kimberly thrives on eating ethnic cuisine, spending time with her international and local friends, running, swimming, and hiking in the great outdoors and spending time with her wonderful niece and nephew.

Have you ever known what God wanted you to do, but refused to do it? Do you wonder why obedience is hard, resistance is real, and the idea of being transformed by God doesn’t come easy? Does life sometimes feel like God's got you stuck between Him and a hard place? Join writer, ministry leader and counselor Nicole Unice in a get-real take on life with God. Find out why Jonah is your perfect friend on this journey as Nicole chronicles her own Jonah story and invites you to find out your Nineveh and whale-gut places in life.

Nicole Unice is a writer, speaker, counselor and ministry leader living in Richmond, VA. She works in student and family ministry at Hope Church and writes for a variety of publications, including Christianity Today's Gifted for Leadership and Kyria and the online leadership magazine for women, FullFill.  

Nicole received her B.A. in Psychology from the College of William and Mary (97) and her M.A. in Christian Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (04). Nicole recently took a personality inventory that informed her that with her 'strong and willfull" personality type, she would have a difficult time "finding a suitable mate," so she's glad she snagged her husband, David, before she formed much of an identity. They live and play happily with three children under seven and a puppy that lives for chewing shoes under the couch.

You can find Nicole blogging about faith, life, and reality at The Stubborn Servant. The Divine Pursuit is Nicole's first published bible study.

October 13
 

Jill Hooper

Women's Newcomer Brunch

Whether you are brand new to Perimeter or need to figure out how to get connected, you are invited to attend our Newcomer’s Brunch. Our diverse morning program includes music, videos, live stories and an awesome spread of food and beverages.
 

WOW’s Newcomers Brunch is for you if
You are new to Perimeter
You really want to connect with other women
You want to invite a friend to church, but need a way in
You have attended “Taste of Perimeter” and desire to connect with other women
You have a heart for welcoming newcomers
You want to learn more about how to connect with other women’s ministries

Free drop-in childcare is available. If you can please register your child in advance. 

October 13

Jill Hooper

Women's Newcomer Dessert - 7:00 PM

Whether you are brand new to Perimeter or need to figure out how to get connected, you are invited to attend our Newcomer’s Dessert. The evening program includes music, videos, live stories and an awesome spread of desserts and beverages.
 

WOW’s Newcomers Dessert is for you if
You are new to Perimeter
You really want to connect with other women
You want to invite a friend to church, but need a way in
You have attended “Taste of Perimeter” and desire to connect with other women
You have a heart for welcoming newcomers
You want to learn more about how to connect with other women’s ministries

October 20
 

Katie

Maia

Jeanne

 

What's your story? 

Katie Golloher:  Messed Up For Good

For those women with lives too messed up to feel at home in a church, too wounded to believe God can bring good out of their circumstances, too condemned by the idea of an ideal Christian family that has somehow alluded them, too foolish enough to believe they are too good for bad things to happen to them, or too proud and overwhelmed to do anything but hide the pain behind a Sunday smile, you will hopefully feel you have found a friend and someone who understands what really goes on at home and in the hearts of many women as Katie Golloher  shares the story of her very messy messed up life and the God who is writing her story for good.

Katie knows about shame, abuse, abandonment, fear, loss, disease, and poverty. She also knows not one of these things defines her even though they have taught her what really matters in life and why. She is a single mother of five, grant writer, and activist author of When the Bough Breaks: Abortion and the Rest of Us, and she doesn’t have a five step program for success, holiness, clean houses, or obedient kids.

Maia Routly:  The Trail of Trust Me

The most exciting thing in the world is an answered prayer.
Consider the idea that you asked a favor of the God of the universe, the One who is busy holding the cosmos together, and He heard you, and better yet He said "Yes". This is a story of when a prayer was made, the question poised and God took us through a trail of answers, saying
"Trust Me".

By weekday Maia is a stay at home mom of 6 active boys,
participating in serving teachers, friends and her community. By weeknight Maia attempts to provide a home of peace and retreat for her hardworking husband. By weekend night Maia is a Pediatric Trauma Specialist at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Eggleston hospital.

Jeanne Purser:  Tears, Fears & Hope - My Pathway to Peace

Jeanne will share her story of hopelessness, tears and fears that began as a little girl when God did not give her a pony for Christmas and through the childhood experience of losing her father to suicide.  Hear how God in His faithfulness has guided her little by little through a process of healing that has dried her tears, conquered her fears and restored hope.  Jeanne will share how God has used Celebrate Recovery and Discipleship to slowly replace her tears with joy and her fears with courage.  Today she can look back on the journey and embrace the unique and loving ways God has brought about these changes; changes that have affected her marriage of 33 years, her relationships with others and her reason for hope.

Jeanne currently lives in the Johns Creek area with her husband, Van, and has been a member of Perimeter since 1997.  She has five grandchildren and manages to lead a Journey Group and serves as a small group leader for Celebrate Recovery.  She and her husband have their own real estate brokerage firm, and have worked together since 1984.  WOW!! That is a God thing.
 

Judy Reamer: What's on the Tip of your Tongue? - Part 2

**WOW will meet in the hanger today.

Judy Reamer will share why being tongue-tied is an indicator of wisdom at times. President John Adams, once asked Benjamin Franklin, "Do you not believe in saying what you think?" Ben  responded, "No, thinking aloud is a habit responsible for much of mankind's misery.” Judy wonders if perhaps people would be better off being like crocodiles, at least in one respect. The crocodiles have jaws, lips, and teeth, but no tongue. “Speaking Life” will be the purpose of this two week presentation. Bite your tongue (!) and join her.
 
Judy leads a rather irregular life and knows every nook and cranny of Atlanta airport. The planes deliver her to wonderful churches and TV stations all over the country. She joyfully shares the ways of God with unreserved frankness and simple practicality. Her sermons and her books come from life experiences that illustrate the magnificence of God and the reality of the Bible. “How big is God!” will probably be the epitaph on her tombstone. A series she participated in for Andy Stanley, (“The Star, the Cross, and the Crescent”) is offered as a study curriculum nationwide. Focus on the Family brought audiences up close and personal to hear of her Jewish background and the providential meeting with Pat Boone, her Hollywood teenage idol, who introduced her to the Messiah. 

November 17
 

Casey Grist:  Jesus in Hanukkah

Did you know that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah? In John 10, Jesus used this ancient holiday as an occasion to teach about His deity and His position as the Messiah. Hanukkah points to Jesus and his miraculous mission here on earth. It is a holiday that is also a celebration of God’s protection of the Jewish people 165 years before Jesus. During the celebration of Tabernacles and Hanukkah, which is also called “the Festival of Lights”, Jesus proclaimed, “I am the Light of the World.” Understanding Hanukkah and Jesus' use of this holiday will enhance both the witness and worship of your church.
 

In this exciting message we will explain the history of Hanukkah, how Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah today and how Jesus used this special festival to point to His mission here on earth. We will light the Hanukkah menorah together and thank God for Jesus, the real reason for the season.
 

Casey Grist is a missionary with Light of Messiah Ministries and a third generation believer in Jesus.  Her family’s lineage traces back to Polish, German, Dutch and even Spanish roots.  She was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, where she attended Ohio State University and is degreed in Fashion Merchandising.  She also is certified in Christian Counseling.  She has been a believer for 25 years. 

Hannah Rineheart:  Don't Let Santa Rob Your Sanity - Dealing with Depression, Anxiety and Stress Around the Holidays.

Come learn symptoms of depression, postpartum depression and anxiety. Learn skills to manage depression. anxiety stress and when to seek professional help. Learn self care and relaxation techniques to deal with depression, anxiety or just the holiday stress and blues.

Hannah Rinehart, MA, LAPC is passionate about serving people who desire help, hope, and healing for their lives and relationships. Hannah has a broad range of experience working with teenagers, young adults, men, women and couples.  She worked at Wellspring Living for Women for 3 years and her last position there was as a counselor. Currently she practices at Lighthouse Christian Counseling in Norcross, GA, where she specializes in adolescents, young adults and couples.

Hannah and her husband, Brady, have been married for 5 years. They joined Perimeter Church in 2006 and are actively involved in the Mentoring Ministry and the Foundations Sunday School class for young families.

Click here to find out more about Hannah's Practice.
Click here to follow Hannah's Practice on Facebook.

January 12

Alice Arraez

Pam Hamilton

Judy Delaney

What's your story? Alice Arraez, Pam Hamilton, Judy Delaney

Pam Hamilton
Widowed at age 41 and left with 4 young boys to raise (10 - to 2 years old at the time), Pam Hamilton shares her story of God's love and care through the tragic loss of her husband in the spring of 2009.   Holding on the the truth that "God is Good",  "It's going to be ok", and "I am not alone",  Pam has been strengthened and comforted by God's Sovereignty and Goodness in her life.  She will also share the inspiring faith of her husband, who took the news of his fatal diagnosis w/ hope, humor, and joyful anticipation of the life to come.  

Pam, a singer-songwriter, who also shares her faith and life in song, attends Perimeter Church and lives in Duluth, GA with her 4 sweet, active boys.
 

January 26

Jill Hooper

Women's Newcomer Brunch

Whether you are brand new to Perimeter or need to figure out how to get connected, you are invited to attend our Newcomer’s Brunch. Our diverse morning program includes music, videos, live stories and an awesome spread of food and beverages.
 

WOW’s Newcomers Brunch is for you if
You are new to Perimeter
You really want to connect with other women
You want to invite a friend to church, but need a way in
You have attended “Taste of Perimeter” and desire to connect with other women
You have a heart for welcoming newcomers
You want to learn more about how to connect with other women’s ministries

Free drop-in childcare is available. If you can please register your child in advance.

January 26

Jill Hooper

Women's Newcomer Dessert - 7:00 PM

Whether you are brand new to Perimeter or need to figure out how to get connected, you are invited to attend our Newcomer’s Dessert. The evening program includes music, videos, live stories and an awesome spread of desserts and beverages.

WOW’s Newcomers Dessert is for you if
You are new to Perimeter
You really want to connect with other women
You want to invite a friend to church, but need a way in
You have attended “Taste of Perimeter” and desire to connect with other women
You have a heart for welcoming newcomers
You want to learn more about how to connect with other women’s ministries

March 2

Karla Boy

Carolyn Bahr

April Barranco

 

What's your story? Karla Boy, Carolyn Bahr, April Barranco

Karla Boy:  The Performance Trap

Anu Truax: Many Paths to God?  What Every American Should Know About World Religions

Vickie Webb: Hide and Seek

Do you remember how much fun you had playing "hide and seek" when you were a child?  Well, hiding in real life is not a game that brings joy or laughter or peace. Hear how God Himself SEEKS, finds, restores, and redeems all the hidden junk, turning mourning into dancing and ashes into beauty!
 
Vickie Webb, married for 37 years, is a mother of 4 and grandmother of 9. She has been a Perimeter member for 20 years and has been invested in ministries that serve women, children, and families. Most recently, she has been involved in discipleship training in Tanzania, leading a small group of women leaders there for the past 4 years.

WOW:  Movie

Description coming soon!

Gil VanOrder:  Street Smart Parents - Comprehensive and practical equipping to help master parenting in the digital age
 

Computers not your forte?  Do you really not care what the difference is between a Droid and an iPhone?  Is your child or husband more “tech savvy” than you?  The focus of this WOW will be to provide new insights and equip you as a parent and/or spouse to address the significant challenges presented by today’s technology and modern media.  This session will provide awareness but more importantly provide training on the practical application of free tools and techniques.  Many parents / spouses simply “don’t know what they don’t know” and fall short in their obligation to manage the avalanche of dangers and distractions rapidly invading their families lives.  Join us as Gil shares from personal experience the seven layers of protection he and Wendy have had to apply to protect their home in an attempt to live and exemplify a balanced Christian life.
 

Gil VanOrder, MCSE, PMP has been a Perimeter Church Member since 1993 and has volunteered with Sr. High (Watershed Ministry) since 1994.  Most recently (2009-2010) he was a discipleship leader for a group of seven 11th grade young men and intentionally gathered real insights and content for his forthcoming web site (StreetSmartParents.com) and guide with the same name.  Gil has been in the Information Technology (IT) field for over 15 years including various teaching roles.  He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and PMP (Project Management Professional).  He and his wife Wendy currently have 5 children age 14 and younger and plenty of practical/daily experience dealing with the challenges of the media age.  Gil has a sincere passion to gently educate and equip parents (and spouses) in this complex, often intimidating and overlooked knowledge area.

April 27