The Pursuit of Happiness
Greetings!

The Declaration of Independence: it could be called the ultimate break-up letter.

We had to tell England, "You don't own me", we are born with natural rights endowed by our Creator.

And while mad King George may have quipped "You'll Be Back," we were surely ready to rock this American Revolution.

These were ideas that originated with John Locke. These were those magic words we love to hear this time of year: Life. Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness.

We love a good story--dripping of America and apple pie.
The Journey of Independence

Nearly 250 years later and fully liberated from the grips of The Crown, what does independence feel like as an American?

Are you building a life of your own?

Do you have the liberty to work, relax or maybe start a business?

Do you pursue happiness, in spite of adversity, everyday?

I honestly wasn't feeling too patriotic this year.

Then Hyde Park UMC Director of Missions, Vicki Walker, shared this story of a homeless immigrant, Daniel Llorente. He's grinding away in this country, for a sliver of this American Dream.

"Oceans rise, empires fall" and our country remains on this journey to true freedom. I'm one to believe that all Americans, aspiring or otherwise, may enjoy a piece of the pie.

When others are struggling, sometimes it's our patriotic duty to help serve up a slice.

Scroll below to see how you may help us dish out a little freedom and apple pie at The Portico this summer.

Happy Fourth!

Chalette M. Davis
Events & Missions
Chalette@ThePortico.org
O: 813.222.2299 | M: 813.951.6974
1001 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
Conversation. Connection. Community Change.

P.S. Thanks to community member Kara Rutherford for her effort to help find safe housing for the homeless immigrant mentioned above. You are the spirit of 1776! Read more about Daniel's story here.

Serve Day: Community Meal
11:30 a.m. July 10
The Community Hall
FREE & Open to Public

Immediately following The Gathering at 10:01 a.m., our monthly meal with folks from The Gathering and anyone who is hungry or unsheltered.

Set up, serving, clean up, and break down opportunities.


Connect more on Facebook.
Art + Open Mic
6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26
The Portico Cafe

The Portico Cafe celebrates this back-to-school season by welcoming local artists to share their talents with downtown Tampa during this special Fourth Friday event.

ABOUT OPEN MIC NIGHT
Acoustic musicians, poets and performers are welcome to perform and collaborate.
Limited 15 minute sets available.
Performers sign-up here: https://bit.ly/3t8mmUT
** Family-friendly Entertainment Please **
**Beginning at 6 pm: Buy One Specialty Coffee Drink and Receive a Free Muffin**
Free and open to the public!
Check out our menu at ThePorticoCafe.org

ABOUT THE ART | Artist Statement
Demetasphere is an artist who is exploring the juxtaposition of the microcosm within a macrocosmic environment. She creates acrylic art that is influenced by her fascination with microbiology and the observable universe. She wants observers to get a glimpse into the microbial universe that exist in and all around us.
Read more about our cafe artist Demetasphereart.com 

EVENT HOST | Jasey Soulz
For many years Jasey Soulz has hosted open mic events in the Tampa Bay area– most notably at the Bamboozle Tea Lounge in downtown. A talented performer himself, Jasey has also co-hosted and judged several local talent shows within the New York metropolitan area.
 
This event is free and open to the public.
Coming Soon... Aug. 14
2nd Sunday Potluck Brunch
The Gathering at 10:01 a.m.

Beginning August 14, gather every 2nd Sunday for a brunch-style, community potluck where we build relationships, have conversations about life and scripture, practice silence, and serve together.

Please bring a dish, side or dessert that will complement this Sunday brunch experience.

If you’d like to volunteer or help prepare the main dish, email Chalette@theportico.org.
WE'RE ON A MISSION!
THE PORTICO CAFE IS OPEN
8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesdays - Friday
HELP US MEET OUR MONTHLY GOAL!

Coffee On A Mission

As of Wednesday, June 29: 64 Bags Sold 

The Mission: 100 Bags in 30 Days 

The Coffee: Locally-roasted Portico Blends and Don Carlos Espresso

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

Buy, give or donate at: ThePorticoCafe.org.

We ship ANYWHERE in the U.S. coast to coast ($5 delivery in Hills. Co.). 
THE PORTICO CAFE IS OPEN!
Menu Items:
Breakfast
Morning Cuban 
Breakfast Burrito
Avocado Toast
Cuban Toast
Lunch
Turkey Club
Portico Cuban

Full Menu
Every time you give or make a purchase at The Cafe, you bring us closer to our goal to bring back a fully operational cafe with a mission: to help the formerly addicted and homeless onto employment ladders and into safe affordable housing.
Yoga Mondays
Community Yoga
5:30p.m. Mondays
The Community Hall
FREE & Open to Public
Midday Meditation
12:30 p.m. Tuesdays
The Henderson Chapel

Refresh your soul and connect with The Divine during this brief mediation practice each Tuesday.

Join us Tuesdays in The Portico's Henderson Chapel.

For more information contact Justin@theportico.org.
BOOK A SMALL MEETING SPACE AT THE PORTICO
Book one of our small meeting rooms for business meetings and small gatherings.

The Board Room, our newly renovated space, was designed exclusively for business-style meetings. It is one of six meeting/event spaces currently available to suit your small gathering needs (30 persons or less).

Book your meeting now at ThePortico.org/ReserveSpace.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS

10:01 a.m. Sunday, July 10 | Sunday Gathering is now The Gathering

6 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 | Burnt Offerings

10:01 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14 | 2nd Sunday Potluck Brunch

10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29 | EJI Memorial Marker Dedication

For more info on upcoming events, visit ThePortico.org/Event.
The Portico | 1001 N. Florida Avenue | 813.222.2299 | ThePortico.org