Tuesday, October 18, 2011

A country feel right in Austin for your wedding: Mercury Hall

Last Saturday I ministered the wedding for Scott and Anna at Mercury Hall.  While not far from Ben White and S. First Street, it's four acres makes you feel like you are out in the country.  And the hall, a former church building moved from little Mercury, Texas back in the 90's, has a feeling of substance and charm.

While you can get married in the Hall, most couples choose to have their ceremony outdoors on the lawn by the trees, and have their reception inside.  Prices for Saturday weddings, based on the time of year, are $3400 and up, but weddings on other days can be less than half that much.

I've probably officiated 15 or more weddings at Mercury Hall over the years, and they've all turned out lovely.  (When you want an outdoor wedding, it's always best to choose a site, such as Mercury Hall, that has the indoor option for when it rains.)

Their website is here for more information.  http://mercuryhall.com/index.htm

blessings,
John
Rev. John Connor

Thursday, October 13, 2011

You CAN go home again...

Last weekend, I went "home" to New Hampshire, and visited with some old friends and family.  We gathered at the site of a spiritual community where I spent part of my childhood and teen years. Inspired by the 23rd Psalm, the community was called, "Green Pastures."  Most of us present, including my brother, Cliffe, had been there in the 1960's and 70's, but there were also a good number who lived and studied there in the 80's and 90's, too.

Around the year 2000, the community disbanded.  But in the last couple of years, a small group of us reconnected.  (Thank you, Facebook!)  The property is now a mixed use facility for, among others, a day program for adults with Autism, and a performing arts theater.  It has been re-named "Verdant Pastures."  Last weekend was the second time in a year that several dozen friends visited, and this time we volunteered to do a bit of clean up.  It was an amazingly beautiful and warm October day.

(Glenn Kikel, Ross Morrison [an original Green Pastures resident, 1963] and Brett Spaulding)

Then we had a spontaneous concert in the Leddy Center Theatre (formerly our chapel).  It was special that one of the guys, Jim Paine, who helped build the beautiful chapel was there, and played guitar.  We sang old songs by The Beatles, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, and Shake Russell & Dana Cooper.  (And yes, a hymn as well.)
(John Connor, Jim Paine, James Eifling)

The idea that "you can't go home again" springs from the idea -- true -- that home is not the same when you return.  But when you knew real brotherly and sisterly love, you may find that, even after all the years have passed, that it's still there in your heart -- vibrant, funny, and sweet. It is my hope that all of you know that love.

Next blog post will have some helpful wedding resources, and insights on wedding facilities.

bye for now,
John