Rubicon Café Blog

You may have noticed that a "Salem Fields Community Church" sign is absent from the front of the new addition (be sure to notice the one at the Main Entrance). The "Salem Fields Learning Center" and "Rubicon Cafe" signs have been strategically placed to show the location of each in the building. The original plan for the SFCC sign was postponed due to cost (approximately $35K) and complicated county regulations regarding location and placement. We have been and will continue to research the best available options until we can place the SFCC sign at it's very best, cost-effective location.   

          "  + ing the RUBICON "

     choice:  risk or retreat

          challenge: jump

VISION:  A new way to reach people by creating a safe, attractive environment where everyone can relax, connect and/ or jump.

Q: Wasn't Jesus angry about business being done at the Temple?

People often ask this question when talking about Rubicon Cafe and the Bookstore at SFCC.

The reference is made to John 12:16, when Jesus was angered by the moneychangers & sellers of animals in the Temple courtyard and said, "How dare you turn My Father's house into a market!" This Scripture is often taken out of context to say that Jesus did not want business to be done in church. Nothing could be further from what Jesus intended for his listeners to catch.

It's very important to understand what was happening in Jerusalem at that time. During Passover, every adult male within 15 miles of Jerusalem was required to attend. There was a tax that every Jew over 19 years old must pay. That was the Temple tax. It was necessary that all pay that tax so that the Temple sacrifices and the Temple ritual might be carried out day by day. Into the courts came the moneychangers. If they had been honest, they would have served a good purpose for the people. Jesus wasn't opposed to them being there. What He was opposed to was that they were taking advantage of sincere people that came to offer their sacrifices. They were cheating them out of their money.

There were also sellers of oxen, sheep & doves used for sacrifices. Jesus wasn't opposed to them being sold. What He was opposed to was that blemished animals were being substituted for the necessary perfect sacrifices. Once again, the unsuspecting people were being cheated.

Those selling in the Temple courts were blackmailing the poor and humble pilgrims who had come to the Temple as their religious duty. Jesus could not stand by while people were being treated this way, so He took a whip and drove the moneychangers & sellers out of the Temple courtyard. The message of Christ is about how we treat people.

At SFCC we are committed to providing a place for the community where people can find love and acceptance just because they are a creation of God. The bookstore and cafe will not operate to make a profit, rather to be a place where people can find connection, relaxation and a place of hope & love. Most of all, Christ will be honored in the way we love Him and love others.

I spent the week in Boston last week and drove by Bull and Finch, the original Cheers bar that was made famous by the TV sitcom years ago. It was known as the place "where everybody knows your name." There was a time in my life when I had a lot of fun in bars like that. But when I stopped drinking (it was messing with my head), I thought I had to give up the fun, too. Then I wondered....would it be possible to create a place where people could gather and connect, a place that developed that same kind of community? A place where all kinds of personalities could come together to laugh and be themselves and relax. And when someone walked in, they'd be handed their favorite drink without ever placing an order. A place where people were so accepting and friendly that a sense of safety and authenticity was the norm. A place where, instead of using alcohol as "nerves in a bottle" people could learn to have fun by simply being real...and accepted just the way they are! That, I hope, will be the spirit of Rubicon. Where anyone and everyone will be welcomed by a friendliness that is unexpected and warmth that would melt the coldest heart.....a place where "everybody might end up knowing your name." Is it possible?? We'll see!      

I always love it when people ask me questions about Rubicon and it's purpose. It gives me opportunity to share the vision and clarify anything that someone might be wondering. Here are two questions that I was asked recently:

1. Are there going to be live bands for entertainment on occasion?

Yes. There will be live bands for venues, concerts and other events. In fact, Kevin Max, formerly of DC Talk will be performing in Rubicon this Nov.  Local bands will be invited to play as well.

2. Can people meet there with other believers for bible study and fellowship?

Everyone, believers & non-believers (and I hope noone is discriminating according to a person's belief system) can meet in Rubicon to socialize and connect with other people. Regarding bible studies - we will have venues that meet at specific times to teach, discuss and integrate the Bible into everyday living. Most likely, small groups will gather at tables and have opportunities for discussion during those venues. At all other times, it will be a safe place like Starbucks or any other coffee shop in town where everyone is welcome at all times.

One of the benefits of having a new building is more space. Finally, seminar rooms will be available in the existing building for small groups to connect spiritually after they grab their favorite coffee or smoothie in Rubicon. 

Rubicon is one more way the vision of SFCC will be fulfilled as we connect with our community in Fredericksburg and surrounding counties to intentionally break down church stereotypes and love and accept people right where they are, without judgment or coercion.