Greetings!

Friday Contemplation

Beam of Light: I returned yesterday from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Words are insufficient to describe the majesty and power of the experience. The above image was taken inside The Church of the Holy Sepulcher earlier this week. The Light beam is shining on the location of Jesus' tomb.

Sometimes Light hits the perfect spot.

Weekly Gathering Update: On Sunday at 10:30, we will have conversation, center, and discuss Step 3 of the 12 Steps which says, "Made a decision to turn our will and life over to the care of God, as we understand God." Immediately after have we will have a meal with our friends who might not need a meal.

Additionally, there will be an important announcement made about The Sunday Gathering made Sunday!

12 Step Group starts Tuesday at 6 p.m.: I'll be walking sojourners through the life transforming process of the 12 Steps. If you want your relationship with God, yourself and others to be transformed, let the Light hit you in the perfect spot! We will Rise together. SIGN UP. Note: You don't have to be an addict / alcoholic.

Let's let God's Light beam shine on us.

You are Loved.

Justin

The Rev. Justin LaRosa, LCSW
Director & Minister, The Portico
O: 813.222.2299 | M: 813.444.2941
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 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.
Sunday Gatherings
Grow more deeply in love. Consider these gatherings:


  • Community Meal, 5/8 at Noon: Participate Sunday where we get our "knees under tables" with friends and neighbors who are unsheltered or hungry and occurs immediately after the Sunday Gathering. Click the link to sign up to serve.

  • The Gathering: Thank you for responding to your interest in having weekly Sunday Gatherings. For those of you who plan on being regular, identify your place to serve 1x/month by emailing Justin: SERVE @ The Gathering
Join a Small Group
  • Join a Group - Our community thrives as we gather, grow and serve. The Portico's primary vehicle for that is small groups. We have a bunch. If you can't find one, Justin or Mark B will help you create or join one. These new groups have spots available.
Events, Gathering, Serve

The Gathering: Weekly Service at The Portico is Coming
Coffee On A Mission
As of today: 4 Bags Sold 

The Mission: 100 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. 
The Portico | 1001 N. Florida Avenue | 813.222.2299 | ThePortico.org