Impact of Ubuntu
Each summer since 2011, Rock of Ages has gathered at Silver Lake Conference Center for a week of life in God's Backyard! A conference for youth entering grades 9-12, Rock of Ages focuses on music performance.  We come together to live in community and work in a music-filled atmosphere, as we form a "band" and create a music-based worship service for Friday night.

This year's theme at Silver Lake, Ubuntu (I am because we are) was the perfect theme for Rock of Ages, as our entire conference revolves around the powerful voice of community. We can make a bigger noise and bigger difference in this world when we make music together as one, instead of being a solo artist. The voice and music of our youth are the tunes of our future, and we are blessed to have the opportunity to make a joyful noise every year with the future leaders of our church, communities, and world.

This piece speaks to the inclusive community that is fostered at Silver Lake was created by Chancellur Dixon, a conferee from the Dixwell Avenue United Church of Christ in New Haven.
God Bless!
Amber Dawne and Bowen Arrow
Co-Deans, Rock of Ages

Hook: 
Farewell Regards
Who knew a goodbye would be this hard
Unfortunately this is a part of growing up, who knew I’d get this far
 
Farewell Regards
Who knew a goodbye would be this hard
Unfortunately this is a part of growing up, who knew I’d get this far

Verse 1:
This is the pain I’m gunna have to fight 
I keep tellin myself that it’s gunna be alright
I’ll never forget about what Silver Lake taught about
how the waiter will always put the spoon to the person’s right
 
I love you Silver Lake you’re like another family
You would never judge people on their personality
All are welcome even the one’s with disabilities 
Even if you’re black or Hispanic or LGBT
 
Wow, I’m all grown up?
I graduate in 2020 that’s wassup
I remember when I was in Water World and I didn’t even know where to even place the cup
This is a sacred place I will always love
You helped me learn about the god above 

This is a sacred place I will always love
You helped me learn about the god above 

Hook:
Farewell Regards
Who knew a goodbye would be this hard
Unfortunately this is a part of growing up, who knew I’d get this far
 
Farewell Regards
Who knew a goodbye would be this hard
Unfortunately this is a part of growing up, who knew I’d get this far

Verse 2:
Water World, Salvation Hip Hop Nation, Silver Lake’s Funniest Videos, Rock of Ages
You guys are my book, you guys are my pages
Through Ubuntu, we can get out of our cages
This place will be in my heart for so many ages

Chorus (Different):
Wait a minute, I’ll be back 
I am because we are Unity 
Without this place it is sanity I lack
 
Here I can be free
 
Wait a minute, I’ll be back 
I am because we are Unity 
Without this place it is sanity I lack

Here I can be free