A Word from Pastor Bob

In a middle school science class, I remember a teacher introducing me to a word. The word was homeostasis. It resonated with me then because it reflected how I like everything to be, and in many ways it still does. Britannica defines the word this way: “the self-regulating process that living organisms use to maintain a stable, balanced internal environment even when external conditions change.” I like things to remain comfortable and stable. Why take risks if you don’t have to?  

Well, Jesus has much to say about this in this week’s scripture. We will discuss the parable of the talents, in which a man gives talents to three people. The first two invest the talents and make the money grow, but the third is fearful and buries the talent. He doesn’t lose anything, but he doesn’t gain anything either. This is not okay. In fact, he is called lazy, and everything is taken from him. Sounds harsh, but there is a point to the parable. Sometimes we must take risks in life, especially in ministry. Nothing stays the same, and we have to be okay when homeostasis is not achieved. 

Join us on Sunday at 10:00 AM, either in person or via live stream, as we discern what it means when Jesus does math and seeks to expand the Kingdom by taking risks. I look forward to worshiping with you all.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Bob

Worship

This Sunday in Worship

Farmville United Methodist Church

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost

November 15, 2026

GATHERING

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS ----- Rev. Bob Michalides

PRELUDE ------------Blessed Assurance ------ Dr. Gordon Ring --------------------------- Gordon Young

INTROIT- Surely the Lord is in This Place- The Chancel Choir

------------------- Herbert Colvin ---- Andrew Bentley, Director

CALL to WORSHIP* ----------------------------------------- Jay Fort

HYMN* ------- Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee ------- (UMH) #89

PROCLAMATION

THE CHILDREN'S MOMENT ------------------ Susan Kimbrough

Children are invited to come forward to the chancel steps

OPENING PRAYER ------------------------------------------ Jay Fort

SCRIPTURE READING ------- Matthew 25: 14-30 ------ Jay Fort

SERMON ------ "Kingdom Work: God's Faithful Math " ----------------------------------------------------------- Rev. Bob Michalides

RESPONSE

HYMN* -------------- What Gift Can I Bring --------- (UMH) #87

OFFERING OUR GIFTS ----------- Trey Gee and Keith Spafford

OFFERTORY ------- Let Praise Resound -----The Chancel Choir ---------------- Earlene Rentz -------- Andrew Bentley, Director

DOXOLOGY* ------ Doxology #94, UMH

OFFERING OUR PRAYERS and THE LORD'S PRAYER -------------------------------------------------------------- Rev. Bob Michalides

SENDING FORTH

HYMN* ---------- A Charge to Keep I Have --------- (UWF) #413

BENEDICTION* ------------------------------- Rev. Bob Michalides

CHORAL BENEDICTION - May the Grace of God Go With You ------------------------------ Anna Page -------- The Chancel Choir

------------------------------------------- Andrew Bentley, Director



POSTLUDE ------------------- March ------------ Dr. Gordon Ring

------------------------------ G. F. Handel



*Please stand as you are able.



These beautiful altar flowers were given to the Glory of God and in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Meredith Morris and Rebecca Duncan by Betsy Foster Breen.

Sunday School Classes

Seekers – 9:00 AM - Fellowship Room

Young Adult - 9:00 AM - Library

Youth - 9:00 AM - Youth Suite – Rm 1

Children - 9:00 AM - Children's Classroom – Rm 25

Coffee Chat – 11:00 AM - 2nd Floor, Rm 31

Brunch Series, The Chosen - 3:00 PM - Wesley Center

Coming soon: Advent study with Pastor Bob.

Join Pastor Bob this Advent season as we explore this 4-week series to prepare our hearts for Christmas.

We will have the study in a hybrid format. If you'd like to join in person, we will meet in the fellowship hall; if you'd rather join on Zoom, we will provide a link.

We will meet on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM for 4 weeks beginning Tuesday, Nov 24, and ending Dec 15th.

If you would like to participate, please email or call the office so we can order a book.

Worship with Us on Sundays on YouTube

To worship with us, live or later, go to

https://www.youtube.com/@FarmvilleUMC_FarmvilleVA



Connect

The Church Office is Open:

Monday through Thursday

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Dear Supporters and Volunteers,

Thank you to all the people who so generously donated items for our 4th Annual Christmas Market. The Market was a true success!

Thank you wholeheartedly to all the volunteers who worked many hours sorting, researching, organizing, and pricing the goods. We also want to extend a sincere thank you to the volunteers who set up the Market, worked at the Market, and broke it down afterwards. And to the ones who put up our advertising banners, and distributed the Christmas Market flyers- a huge thank you. 

The United Women in Faith could not have accomplished this fantastic missions fundraiser without your help. All proceeds are given directly to local charities.

With deepest gratitude,

United Women in Faith

Recent Concerns

Kimberly Long who is beginning cancer treatments

Sharon Forsythe had surgery to reattach her left retina on October 29. Prayers are requested for healing and complete restoration of eyesight in her left eye.

Jim Gussett anticipates transfer to assisted living.

Susan Paul (moved to Babcock Manor) 4151 Pumping Station Road, Appomattox 24522

Hedy Thomas for continuing treatment

Val Montgomery for continuing cancer treatment

Keep Bennie Walker, in your prayers as he undergoes medical treatment.

Celebrations

Our November Birthdays

----------------------------------------------------------------

Happy birthday to all - and if we missed YOUR birthday, please contact Office Manager Nancy Alexander in the church office at officemgr.fumc@gmail.com and let us know!



Our November Calendar

September Council Minutes

JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER CHRISTMAS 2026

It's Time to help make Christmas Magic Happen!

This is Year 25 that the FUMC elves will sponsor a Christmas Party for the Detention Center. The items needed are posted on the Closet Door under the stairs. All items can be left in the closet and monetary donations can be placed in the Jail Ministry account.

The members of this Church should have a warm glow in their hearts and feel blessed. Wrapping arms of thankfulness around all of you for your support for this Mission. We are a blessed Church.

Sheila Hight

Any questions you can call Sheila at:

434.390-1803

September to December: gather the gifts; sort; deliver (Date to be announced)

Do you have 2027 calendars that you will not be using?

We are collecting calendars for the homebound clients of FACES.

We need 100+ calendars that will be provided to the Marketplace clients in the December food bags.

Please leave calendars in the Missions Closet under the stairs

Thank you!

Serve at FACES Food Pantry 

Every Fourth Saturday

(Closed on November 28)

FUMC members are invited to serve at FACES' food distribution the fourth Saturday of each month. We look forward to seeing our FUMC friends on the FOURTH Saturday, from 7:30-10:AM!

FACES' new website now has a sign-up for volunteers! 

https://www.facesfoodpantry.com/volunteer

Thursday Service Opportunity

FACES has a need for food bag- packers on Thursdays. They need three or more volunteers to pack bags of produce and staples for 1 to 2 hours at 3 PM on Thur. afternoons. Contact Joanna and Paul Baker with questions: joannahbaker@gmail.com

November 2026 Mission Opportunities

The Warm-up Tree is available to receive donations of gloves, hats and scarves. It is located outside the church office.

*****FUMC distribution day for FACES is closed November 28, 2026. FUMC will participate in Feeding Farmville by contributing 30 baked pumpkin pies delivered to St. John’s Lutheran church November 25, between

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Contact Tracie Pomrenke 920.901.5840 to volunteer Wednesday with the food and Thursday as drivers. PIE SIGN UP IN THE CHURCH OFFICE.

HOODIE DRIVE October 4 - November 15. Bring new and gently uses hoodies to FUMC donation bins in sanctuary and Missions Center.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS MOTHER runs through November 29. Please place new toys, books and games in the marked boxes in the back of the sanctuary and in the Missions Center.

WELCOME BAG ITEMS are being collected for Madeline’s House. ****Full-sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, lotion, and women of color hair

products are needed and may be dropped off in a bin in the sanctuary and in the Missions Center.

BETTER DAYS FARMVILLE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. The NOVEMBER BIG GIVE is Saturday, November 14th at 10:30. Community Volunteer Times are Tuesdays, 4:30 – 6:30 and Thursdays, 10:00 - noon. The Orange door is open for donations any day.

PE’s Kids seeks to provide Prince Edward County Public School students with assistance with needs like field trip money, appropriate clothing, hygiene items, etc. because we know that a little help goes a long way. To Make a

Contribution: By Mail: PO Box 524, Farmville, VA, United States, Virginia, (434) 414-1163 and PrinceEdwardKids@gmail.com Items can be easily

purchased from the Amazon wish list:

 https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3L21T2T98CTWH



An ongoing NEED. Help Women of Faith (UWF) in collecting items for the recently released from incarceration, a program sponsored by LOC Family

Services of Farmville. Especially needed: deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Items can include soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, washcloth, deodorant,

a hand towel, lotion, powder, a comb, pads or tampons, hand sanitizer and/or any other personal hygiene item you may wish to add. Collection bin is in the Mission

Center.

The PECPS FeedMore Food Market provides free food to any family with a student enrolled in Prince Edward County Public Schools. There is no income verification

required, and the food provided to families is donated by FeedMore out of Richmond,VA. Volunteers needed!!

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026

Location: Fireman's Sports Arena, 1328 Zion Hill Rd, Farmville, VA 23901

Volunteer Shifts:

 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Set up tables and groceries

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Food distribution and clean-up

 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Food distribution and clean-up



Volunteers will assist with packing, carrying, and loading groceries, so please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Contact Kelly Morgan. Kelly.Morgan@pecps.k12.va.us