Hello Hyde Park,

FRIDAY CONTEMPLATION: Celebrating Chalette

Chalette has faithfully served The Portico since September 2015. Her positivity, dedication, faith,

and skills have been vital to our growth. We would not be where we are today without her. She has led us to deeper engagement with justice issues, art, and new ways to connect with people who wouldn't ordinarily walk onto a church campus. It has been my honor to work with her and to learn from her. Her last day is Friday, March 17. But she's not going too far. One floor up to be exact.

I am delighted to announce that Chalette will be serving as the new Executive Director of Love INC. Love INC is housed on the 3rd floor of The Portico. Its mission is mobilize local churches to transform lives and communities In the Name of Christ.

Please send Chalette an email expressing your appreciation. Or mail her a card to The Portico, c/o Chalette Davis, 1001 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL, 33602.

More good news: Chalette will continue to be a part of our church community. You'll likely see her at The 1001 Gathering.

1001 Gathering: God calls us to deal with anger differently. Join Sunday at 10:01 a.m. at 1001 N. Florida Ave. as we explore anger in Matthew.

FEBRUARY GATHERINGS:

• Ash Wednesday Mid-day Service, 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, February 22
• Ash Wednesday & Soil Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 22
• March Fourth Weekend, March 3 – 6, 2023. Brochure. Journey to the Equal Justice Initiative's Legacy Museum in Montgomery, AL. More info here.

SERVE:

• Serve at The Community Meal: Sign up

Reoccurring Events

• Community Yoga | 5:30 p.m. | Mondays | Community Hall
• Meditation-Centering | 12:30 p.m. | Tuesdays | Chapel
• Community Meal | 11:30 a.m. | Sundays | Community Hall | Participate Sunday where we get our "knees under tables" with friends and neighbors who are unsheltered or hungry.

To see all events: https://theportico.org/events/

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Soon we will list the specifics of The Portico's employment opportunities. Open positions: Nursery Coordinator (5), Missions/Community (25) and Facilities (10).

You are loved!

Justin

The Rev. Justin LaRosa, LCSW

Director & Minister, The Portico

Justin@ThePortico.org

O: 813.222.2299 | M: 813.444.2891

1001 N. Florida Ave.,

Tampa, FL 33602

Conversation. Connection. Community Change.

Websites for The Portico and The Portico Cafe.

The Portico includes a neighborhood cafe, a historic chapel, spaces to meet and work, and an event space for the public that enhances the social, artistic, and spiritual fabric of Tampa through Conversation, Connection and Community Change!

The Portico Spiritual Community is a non-conventional church whose mission is to make God’s Love Real through spiritual practices and to serve the city and world in ways that address equality, housing insecurity, and economic challenge. We are a community of Hyde Park United Methodist.

The Portico Cafe is a social enterprise that offers people transitioning from homelessness, addiction, and incarceration--job training, employment ladders, and connections to safe, affordable housing. Support here.

Check the event calendar

• Join a Joe/Jo Group - a network of small groups (there are 14) that have a two-fold purpose: To mature in faith/spiritual growth and to reach new people who are seeking spiritual community. It is a simple format that lasts 1 hour, and is designed for conversation, connection and community change. Email Justin or Mark B will help you create or join one.

Coffee On A Mission

As of today: 17 Bags Sold 

The Mission: 50 Bags in 30 Days 

The Coffee: Locally-roasted Portico Blends (medium and dark) and Don Carlos Espresso

The Cause: Stand against homelessness with every gift or purchase.

Buy, get a subscription, or donate: ThePorticoCafe.org.

We ship ANYWHERE in the U.S. coast to coast.