Find coffee, conversation off campus

College students run on coffee. Luckily, for Messiah College students, there’s a coffee shop right around the corner. The Cracked Pot Coffee Shop has served students, faculty and the community since its opening in May 2018.

Emily Schmidt, Cracked Pot’s founder, grew up right behind campus and even was baptized in the Yellow Breeches. While she never enrolled as a student, she says Messiah still feels like home.

The name of her shop is inspired by 2 Corinthians 4:7-10:

“… but we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.”

Schmidt says she hopes her mentees and employees at the shop will witness biblical principles through the way she lives her life.

Society makes us think we need to have it all together,” she said, “but, as believers, we know that it’s actually the opposite. When we’re broken, transparent and show our flaws, God’s goodness shines through.

Holly Myers ’85, administrative assistant to the dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Health at Messiah, has volunteered at the shop the past two summers. “My only hesitation before applying was that I am not a coffee drinker,” she said, with a laugh.

Myers says she was interested in the shop’s mentor program, which provides those who are aging out of the foster care system with a nine-month initiative to get job experience and grow.

The shop has many Messiah regulars, including President Kim Phipps. Education major Moriah Ramsey ’20 also frequents the shop to study and hang out. “There’s a sense of comfort and community we form through coffee and conversation,” said Ramsey. “Every time I walk in, I feel a strong sense of community and family.” 

In the future, Schmidt says she hopes to hold worship nights at the shop. Until then, Cracked Pot will continue to brew coffee, new friendships and deeper faith for the community.

— Jake Miaczynski ’20