Pastor Joy’s Letter to the Congregation – 11/20/2025
Of course, I am grateful for my family and friends, but this year I am particularly grateful for this church family.
Of course, I am grateful for my family and friends, but this year I am particularly grateful for this church family.
the “careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.”
Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
A joyful group
he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This sermon focuses on the Christian practice and theology of generous giving. Pastor Joy begins with a reading from 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, emphasizing that giving should be cheerful and that God provides all necessary resources for believers to abound in good works. The sermon uses a short anecdote about a girl losing money intended for church to...
We are honored to present Matt York and his group.
Upcoming Prayer/Alpha Meetings Thursday, 11/20, 6:00 pm - Prayer Meeting Thursday, 11/20, 6:30 pm - Alpha for Adults Sunday, Young Adult Alpha 11/23, 5:00 pm
Happy Heavenly Birthday to our loved ones, who are always on our minds and forever in our hearts
In memory of his parents, Lois and Bob."
Successful Sale
Thank you Karan, Judy, JoEllen,Mary, Francine, The Read Cross team and all the other volunteers.
This sermon draws upon Matthew 25:31-40, concerning the separation of the sheep and the goats, who are judged based on their actions toward "the least of these" (such as feeding the hungry, sheltering the stranger, or visiting the imprisoned), to address the role of good works and volunteerism. Pastor Joy states that while large numbers of Americans...
I ask that each one of us prayerfully consider our responsibilities as good Stewards of First Church.
Missions will place the Military Basket in Fellowship Hall on November 2 and November 9, 2025.
Upcoming Prayer/Alpha Meetings Thursday, 11/13, 6:00 pm - Prayer Meeting Thursday, 11/13, 6:30 pm - Alpha for Adults
The sermon focuses on the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25:14-18, a scripture passage that Pastor Joy admitted was difficult to understand for a long time. In the context of the parable, "talents" did not mean ability but a large sum of money—either approximately $1,000 in contemporary terms or what a laborer might earn in half...
Upcoming Prayer/Alpha Meetings Thursday, 11/6, 6:00 pm - Prayer Meeting Thursday, 11/6, 6:30 pm - Alpha for Adults Sunday, 11/09 5:00 pm - Alpha for Teens
When you go to bed Saturday evening.
The Pancake Breakfast is a year-round celebration, a testament to our unity and togetherness
“Behold, the sower went out to sow…..”
Not just a day but year round!
Upcoming Prayer/Alpha Meetings Thursday, 10/30, 6:00 pm - Prayer Meeting Thursday, 10/30, 6:30 pm - Alpha for Adults Sunday, 11/02, 5 pm - Alpha for Teens
Pastor Joy Matos's sermon focuses on the Christian principles of humility and submission, primarily drawing from the book of First Peter. Joy references current cultural examples, like the musical "Hamilton," and historical contexts, such as the persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero and the exile of Daniel in Babylon, to illustrate how believers should live in a...
In memory of Madison Straub, taken too soon on September 16, 2024.
Upcoming Prayer/Alpha Meetings: Thursday, 16th, 6:00 pm - Prayer Meeting Thursday, 16th, 6:30 pm - Alpha for Adults Sunday, 19th, 5 pm - Alpha for Teens
Upcoming Prayer/Alpha Meetings Thursday, 10/23, 6:00 pm - Prayer Meeting Thursday, 10/23, 6:30 pm - Alpha for Adults Sunday, 10/26, 5 pm - Alpha for Teens
The sermon by Pastor Joy Matos titled “A People Belonging to God,” focuses on interpreting and applying the biblical passage 1 Peter 2:9-12, which describes believers as a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God." Pastor Matos contrasts the pride people take in secular affiliations, like being a Mayflower descendant or...
Jane Han and her team perform a Korean fan dance to the music of Amazing Grace in Fellowship Hall
"You Shall Be Holly, For I Am Holy"
ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS
Wow! - Alpha - C.E.
Upcoming Prayer/Alpha Meetings Thursday, 10/9, 6:00 pm - Prayer Meeting Thursday, 10/9, 6:30 pm - Alpha for Adults
A delightful mix of pancakes, sausage, and beverages for only $5
This Sermon focuses on encouraging the congregation to become a strong, courageous entity in challenging times. Pastor Joy Matos emphasizes that God has a specific purpose and plan for the church. She uses confirmations received as text messages from one friend about a "strong church" and another friend's sense that God is "building a fortress" at First...
Upcoming Prayer/Alpha Meetings Thursday, 10/2, 6:00 pm - Prayer Meeting Thursday, 10/2, 6:30 pm - Alpha for Adults Sunday, 10/5, 5 pm - Alpha for Teens
always in our hearts and minds each day.
Upcoming Prayer/Alpha Meetings: Thursday, 9/25, 6 pm -Prayer Meeting Thursday, 9/25, 6:30 pm – Alpha for Adults Sunday, 9/28, 5 pm – Alpha for Teens
Happy Birthday, Beth! Elizabeth profoundly impacted all of us with her charming smile. Beth will stay forever in our hearts.
Pastor Joy Matos focuses on a pivotal interaction between an expert in the law and Jesus, as recorded in Luke 10:25-29. Initially, the lawyer asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life and correctly answers his own question by citing the command to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart... and love your...
Deacons: September 14, 2025, Events: 14, 2025, CNK Board: September 17, 2025
Pastor Joy Matos discusses the biblical passage of Matthew 6:24-34, which advises against worry and encourages seeking God's kingdom first. She acknowledges that worry is a common human experience, citing various contemporary concerns like health, family, finances, and global turmoil. The sermon emphasizes that despite life's troubles, believers have a strong foundation in Jesus Christ. Pastor Joy...
Weekly Prayer Meetings Alpha for Adults and Teens Pre-K Sunday School
Thursday, 9/11, 6 pm -- Prayer Meeting Thursday, 9/11, 6:30 pm – Alpha for Adults Sunday, 9/14, 5 pm – Alpha for Teens
Pastor Joy Matos emphasizes the critical importance of prayer, both individual and corporate, for spiritual growth and effective ministry. Drawing from scriptures like Hebrews 13 and Matthew 18, the sermon highlights that even prominent biblical figures such as the author of Hebrews and the Apostle Paul frequently requested prayers from their congregations. The pastor also shares anecdotes...
First Church offers a delightful mix of pancakes, sausage, and beverages for only $5.
First Church in Pembroke Weekly Happenings August 31 September 06, 2025 Please join us this Sunday for our worship service, Decisions, Decisions with Pastor Joy Matos at 10:00 a.m. Be thoughtful, be silent, and be reverent for this house of the Lord. Before the Service, Speak to God: During the Service, let God Speak
Back to School!
In this sermon transcript, Pastor Joy Matos discusses the importance of seeking God's wisdom when making decisions, particularly significant life choices. She highlights the biblical teaching from James 1:5-8, encouraging believers to ask God for wisdom generously, without doubt. Pastor Joy illustrates this principle through historical examples, such as George Mueller's* reliance on God for his orphanage...
First Church in Pembroke Weekly Happenings August 17 – 23, 2025 Please join us this Sunday for our worship service, Spirit-Filled Boldness with Pastor Joy Matos at 10:00 a.m. Be thoughtful, be silent, and be reverent for this house of the Lord. Before the Service, Speak to God: During the Service, let God Speak