Celebrate the Life of Joe Matera at Outdoor Movie

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Ocean City will honor the memory of Joe Matera by showing its first outdoor movie in the parking lot behind the church.

St. Peter's will show his biographical documentary, “Yo Soy Jose,” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, at the church at Eighth Street and Wesley Avenue. 

Matera, founder of the FCA Surf Camp in Ocean City, died July 21 at age 55 after surviving with cancer for more than two years. Matera was a Marmora resident and popular member of the Ocean City surfing community. 

Pre-show festivities will begin at 7:30 p.m., and the movie will begin at sundown. Watch a trailer for the film about Matera's life.

In December 2010, Matera was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and was told he had six months to live.  People all over the world began to pray for his healing. Joe was so thankful for the prayers of the people that he decided to thank them in person ... starting with Los Cocos in the Dominican Republic, where St. Peter’s has served for the last six years.  

The first 25 cars will get to park in the lot for the movie, and the rest are encouraged to bring beach chairs to relax outside under the stars and see God’s hand in Joe’s life.

Hot dogs, sno-cones and popcorn will all be for sale and a free-will offering will be taken.  All proceeds will be donated to the DR Mission, ongoing research to combat melanoma, and efforts to launch the documentary at film festivals.

Matera was not cured of cancer; however, he is now completely healed in heaven with his Lord and Savior.  Come on out to meet T.J. Laury, the director of the film and Marinita and Karen visiting from the DR and join us in celebrating Joe's life... a story of how God can do more than we can ever imagine…a testimony of the difference between driving by and driving into a relationship with Jesus Christ!! 

In case of inclement weather, we'll drive into the sanctuary.  Hope you can join us!

For more information, call (609) 399-2988.

— News release from St. Peter's