Cornerstone University and Arise Collective Celebrate Ongoing Partnership and Look Ahead to Future Performances
Cornerstone University and Arise Collective are grateful to celebrate a meaningful partnership built on mission alignment, love of the arts, and community outreach. For the past few seasons, Cornerstone University has had the privilege of hosting Pilgrim: The Musical, an inspiring production by Arise Collective that has become a cherished part of the West Michigan Christmas season. This year, Arise Collective has taken a break from its usual tour schedule and will not be performing Pilgrim: The Musical at Cornerstone this December. While the beloved production will pause for 2025, both organizations want to assure the community that their partnership remains strong and vibrant.
“We are deeply thankful for our ongoing relationship with the Arise Collective team,” said Heidi Cece, executive vice president for enrollment management and marketing at Cornerstone University. “Their artistry and ministry have deeply enriched our campus and community, and we look forward with anticipation to future collaborations.”
In celebration of the continued partnership, Cornerstone University is pleased to announce that the Arise Collective team will return to campus on December 4 for a special night of worship at the university’s Christ Chapel as we head into the Christmas season. This unique evening will offer a time of music, reflection, and joy as both organizations continue to share the message of Jesus, Immanuel, God with Us, through the arts. Fans of Pilgrim: The Musical can also look forward to its return to Cornerstone University in December 2026, when Arise Collective will once again bring the powerful story and music of Pilgrim to life on stage at Christ Chapel.
“The partnership between Cornerstone and Arise Collective has always been about more than just performances — it’s about shared mission and spreading the message of Jesus with as many people as possible,” said Rich Garnaat, director of Arise Collective. “We are excited for this next season of creativity and worship together and continue to be passionate about reclaiming the arts, bringing hope and truth to others through artistic excellence.”
Cornerstone University and Arise Collective invite the community to stay connected and join them in celebrating what God continues to do through their ongoing collaboration.
