The church is closed Monday as we dig out from the recent snowstorm. We hope to open Tuesday. Stay warm and safe!

Kids’ Fun Week

kids

A Summer Fun Experience for Grades K-5 at South Congregational Church
June 22-26, 2026, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$150 Includes Lunch Each Day

South Church is offering this week-long program as an expansion of our Sunday School, and as an inclusive, progressive, and positive take on the “Vacation Bible School” tradition.

Each day will be centered around a “connection” theme such as “connect with family” for example. We will have plenty of art, music, and outside play time. Your child will have the opportunity to learn and have fun, while growing in faith and learning about our shared humanity.

South Church is an open and affirming, immigrant welcoming, green congregation of the United Church of Christ. All kids, from all faiths and backgrounds, are welcome to attend.

Teachers & Staff

Experienced local teachers will lead this program, and each age group will have high-school age counselors.

susan cartmell

Rev. Dr. Susan Cartmell

Susan served churches in Winchester, Needham, and Harwich Port. She graduated from Mount Holyoke and is delighted to be back in the Valley. She has three grown children and eight grandchildren. Her favorite portion of worship is the children’s message.

Renu Gehring

Renu is the mom of two adult sons, with prior experience in teaching Sunday school. During the school year, Renu teaches at UMASS Amherst. She is also a board member of PFLAG, an organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.

Bruce Penniman, Ed.D

Bruce taught writing, speech, and literature at Amherst Regional High School from 1971 until 2007. He is the co-founder of and advisor to the Sene-Gambian Scholars program at Amherst Regional High School, and has accompanied local high school students on several exchange trips to West Africa.

Andrew Crowe-Chandler

Andrew grew up in Amherst, and is an avid homesteader and nature enthusiast.

Jonathan Henry

Jon is a math teacher at the Amherst Regional Middle School, and has more than 15 years of teaching experience in public education.

Building Connections, Growing in Faith

This program will follow the 2026 #KidsConnect Vacation Bible School curriculum by Shine. The program aims to help children grow in their understanding of God’s love for them as they learn and create together. Each day a Bible story is shared and explored in multiple ways—through drama, outdoor games, songs, and crafts.

Daily Connection Themes:

  • Friends: Let’s make room for everyone. We will get to know each other and take joy in our diversity and all that we have in common.
  • Family: Let’s love our family and discover ways to support one another
  • Generations: Let’s listen to God and each other, paying special attention to our grandparents.
  • Community: Let’s make new friends.
  • Jesus: Let’s stay connected to Jesus and the people who love us.

Daily Schedule

8:45–9 a.m.: Drop off and gather into three groups for grades K–1, 2–3, and 4–5.
9:30 a.m.: Assembly in Sanctuary, with music and a skit where counsellors act out the Bible story for the day.
10 a.m.: K-1 group: Outdoor activity. Grades 2–3: Arts and crafts. Grades 4–5: Bible stories/experience.
11 a.m.: K-1: Bible stories/experience. Grades 2–3: Outdoor activity. Grades 4–5: Arts and crafts.
12 p.m.: Lunch, crafts, downtime.
1 p.m.: K-1: Arts and crafts. Grades 2–3: Bible stories/experience. Grades 4–5: Outdoor activity.
2 p.m.: All-camp scavenger hunt and snacks outside.
2:40 p.m.: Final assembly with singing and summary.
3 p.m.: Pick-up.

Register Online

  1. Complete the registration form online here.
  2. Pay online here.
    • Please submit a $50 deposit per child by June 1 to hold your place.
    • If registering after June 1, please pay full $150 per child.

Limited scholarships are available, please email office@amherstsouthchurch.org for more information.

Register by Mail or In Person

  • Printable registration form here.
  • Please make checks payable to South Congregation Church.
  • Mail form and check to 1066 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01002, or return to Church Office.

Questions?

Please call the church office at (413) 253-2977 or email office@amherstsouthchurch.org.

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