This weekend Silk City Coffee will open on Main Street in Manchester! This unique coffee shop was born of a vision shared by Rob May (Class of 2011), Sarah Loftus May (Class of 2011) and Glenn and Tammy Gerhard (CCS Parents / CCS Guidance Counselor).  It was through Cornerstone that Rob & Sarah first met Mrs. Gerhard, and then the rest of her family.  As "Mrs. G" led Sarah & Rob through the high school leadership program, she became invested in their lives. Later, after they graduated and married, they shared their passion for coffee and for people with the Gerhard family. Together, they heard God calling them to this unique business and ministry opportunity.

Their hearts for the people of Manchester -and for good coffee - can be seen in the Silk City Coffee mission statement. 

“Silk City Coffee is a specialty coffee shop that serves quality coffee and delicious food in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Silk City is a place where employees greet customers with a smile and take an interest in their lives. We designed a comfortable space where customers are loved and welcomed.

Silk City seeks to bless their community by bringing people together and empowering them to meet each others needs. We also plan to give back a portion of our proceeds to support programs that bring light and hope to our area.

We aim to do business with integrity to the glory of the God we love, who first loved us to even make this possible. Our greatest desire is that your time at Silk City Coffee leaves you feeling refreshed, encouraged and excited to return for another cup!”

— Silk City Coffee

Dan Donovan (Class of 2010) was unable to make it to this year's Alumni Chapel because of his new job. However, he wanted to be sure to share his story of God's faithfulness with his CCS family. After graduating from Cornerstone, Dan attended Central Connecticut State University and graduated with a BS degree in history with a focus in elementary education in December of 2014. He has recently begun working as a learning tutor, providing classroom support to students in a Connecticut elementary school. As Dan reflects on his time in college, he can clearly see how God has been faithful.  He hopes that his story will encourage others to trust in God as they finish high school and await the next step in God's plans for their lives.

“As I reflect on these experiences, I realize that God has truly been faithful to me. He has helped me raise money to have incredible experiences both in my local area and also abroad. He has provided me with a group of friends who I have been able to support and who have also supported me. Further, He allowed me to purse a career that I am incredibly passionate about. What I have learned from all of these experiences is this: if you pursue what God wants for your life He will make a way. The road getting there may not be easy. There may be bumps in the road; there may be twists and turns that you did not see coming. But, He will be there for you. All you need to remember is to stay focused on God, and He will help you get from where you are now to where He has planned for you to be.”

— Dan Donovan (Class of 2010)

Dr. Michael Evans, a 1990 graduate of CCS, embodies Cornerstone's ideal description of goals for its graduates. After graduating from CCS, he received his BA in Elementary Education, his MA in Educational Administration, and his PhD in Organizational Leadership. He has served in full-time ministry as a teacher in a Christian school and as an assistant director for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). He currently serves as the pastor of Christ the King Community Church in Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Evans reflects on his time at CCS by telling us, "Without doubt, the ministry of Cornerstone was extremely influential in my life to ground me in faith and to prepare me with academic skills I continue to use. I will always remember my  years at Cornerstone with fondness." 

Michael and his wife, Danielle, are also engaged in the greatest ministry of all--parenthood. They are blessed with five children.