Dragonslayers and Daisies

A dragon was discovered lurking in the pulpit of All Saints Anglican Church in St. Andrews, but fortunately, a group of young dragonslayers was ready. On October 3, children and their families gathered to celebrate the Feast of Michaelmas with an afternoon of storytelling, crafts and imaginative play.

Loosely inspired by Waldorf educational traditions, the gathering explored the story of St. Michael and the battle in heaven through activities designed to engage children’s imaginations.
Eighteen children, accompanied by their families, took part in the celebration, which helped launch the parish’s fall Sunday school program. 

After hearing the story and making their own swords, the children set off in search of the dragon. They eventually found it inside the church, ready for battle.
The afternoon also included blackberry-themed treats, since, according to folklore the fallen dragon landed in a blackberry bush. 

The Rev. Samuel Landry, who shared the story and photographs, said a highlight came the following morning when one young participant told the rector, Archdeacon Matheson, that he ought to be grateful the children had slain the dragon. Otherwise, it might have eaten him in the pulpit!

For the Rev. Samuel, the celebration offered something beyond an entertaining afternoon. 
He described Michaelmas as a reminder of the spiritual dimension of life and the sense of wonder that children can sometimes embrace more readily than adults. 

The gathering, he said, encouraged him to renew that same sense of spiritual wonder. 

Photo 1: Gathering Michaelmas daisies:  Parishioner Erich Raab (and helper) gather wildflowers in Charlotte County to decorate the parish hall for the celebration.

Photo 2: A dragon at the door:  A colourful dragon piñata awaits a group of young dragonslayers outside All Saints Anglican Church in Saint Andrews during the parish's Michaelmas celebration on October 3