The District Magazine Vol. 1 Issue 4, Winter 2016 | Page 41

The Portico

What is happening at The Portico?
Whether you are a millennial hipster,
minimalist gen-Xer or a mindful
baby boomer, The Portico in
downtown Tampa, offers gathering
spaces that foster Conversation,
Connection,
and
Community
change. With all of the exciting
urban development coming to
downtown, the social offerings of
this new Tampa gathering space
aims to disrupt the hustle and bustle
of Tampa urbanites and compel
them to congregate, converse and
connect for a greater good.
The Portico was born out of a desire
to participate in the renewal of the
city. It was a former church that is
being thoughtfully transformed
by Hyde Park United Methodist,
designed to be a space for
downtown residents and workers.
The Portico’s purpose is to enhance
the social, artistic and spiritual fabric
of the downtown urban core. It
accomplishes these missional goals
by launching The Portico Café,
organizing service opportunities

for the civic-minded, providing a
quiet space for meditation in the
renovated chapel, incubating a notfor-profit that addresses poverty
and opening a hub for artists that
foster creativity and expression.

The Portico Café, projected to
open January 2017, is a café
with a mission. It will employ
adults experiencing life transition
who otherwise might not get an
opportunity. Each purchase makes
an impact by supporting the
livelihood of people transitioning
out of difficult situations. Along with
excellent coffee and delicious menu
items, there will be open mics,
live music, artistic works and other
special events.
Arts: Evidence of the property’s
dedication to the arts has taken
form through the installation of two
thought-provoking art pieces: For
the Love of THIS City mural and the
Homeless Jesus sculpture.
Silence
fosters
connection.
Contemplative practices such as

meditation, yoga, Lectio Divina,
and centering prayer will be offered
all throughout the week. These
provide a relation to other people
and the Divine presence.
Hyde Park United Methodist has
launched a new 5:30 p.m. Sunday
evening worship service at The
Portico. This experience is open
to people from all walks of life.
You’re invited to come-as-you-are
for this casual, welcoming worship
service including elements of music,
Scripture, a message, silence,
discussion and Holy Communion.
On the fifth Sunday of each month,
this faith community gathers for
prayer and then heads out to
“Serve the City” together, making
God’s love real in tangible ways.
For more information on how to
get plugged-in to the art, events
and service opportunities at The
Portico, visit theportico.org, call
813-254-5139 or email Justin@
theportico.org.

THE DISTRICT - TAMPA’S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE

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