We offer Sunday School during the school year for kids in grades K-6. Children usually begin the worship service at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary with their families, and then walk to the classrooms with their teachers after the childrens’ message portion of the service. Both Sunday School and the service are done at around 11 a.m., when families reunite for a snack at the fellowship hour!
What do we teach in Sunday School?
Our classes are organized around Bible stories. We use Spark Bibles which are designed to be kid-friendly, and do not emphasize stories that would be frightening for kids.
How do we decide what stories to teach?
Every week the teachers have lessons that are based on the story which the pastor is preaching about. This encourages families to talk about what they heard in church that day.
For 2026/27, our story themes will be organized as follows:
- September: Who is My Neighbor?
- October: Covenant Promises. The church will examine the Ten Commandments and why they matter to our lives today.
- November: Gratitude. What are you grateful for? Why?
- December: Peace. How do we prepare to welcome the child who would be known as the Prince of Peace?
- January: Character
- February: Jesus – Who Was He?
- March: Healing
- April: Abundance
- May: Reformation and Healthy Change
Who are the teachers and how many grades are combined?
Our teachers are graduate and undergraduate students in Amherst who have lots of experience with children, and a creative eye for sharing stories about faith. Our classes are divided as follows:
- Nursery & Pre-School: Elena Denno & Elizabeth (Libby) Smith
- Grades 1-3: Olivia Oats
- Grades 4-6: Lee Deater-Deckard
Can my child stay with me during worship and not attend class?
Absolutely. We want your child and you to feel free to attend the classes or not. The classes are all on the same floor as the worship service. Feel free to take a look at the class before worship.
Can I talk to Pastor about my child?
Absolutely. Feel free to email Rev. Susan directly at cartmellism@gmail.com. You can also contact the church office at office@amherstsouthchurch.org or call us at (413) 253-2977.
