About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God as the other prisoners listened. Suddenly a severe earthquake shook the place, rocking the prison to its foundation. Immediately all the doors flew open, and everyone's chains were pulled loose. When the jailer woke up and found the doors wide open, he drew a sword and was about to commit suicide, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We're all still here!"  (Inclusive Bible, Acts 16:25-26)

That's some kind of song Paul and Silas must have been singing to God. I mean to rock the very foundation of the prison where this daring duo was incarcerated. They weren't just whistling Dixie. I do wonder, did they consciously think, "Let's shake things up a bit with this little ditty?" And just what kind of hymn are we talking about?

If we tune our modern imaginations into this story, what kind of song would Paul and Silas sing to God as their fellow prisoners listened. Something with a tempo like Old Rugged Cross or Amazing Grace? A little Just as I am? Perhaps something a bit more upbeat like Shout to the Lord! Who knows, maybe they mixed it up a bit. And let's not forget it wasn't just tunes but prayers that rocked this ancient jailhouse.

When I think about this piece of Scripture excerpted from the lectionary text, I'm reminded of the unique events orchestrated at the In Good Company w/Alliance Friends April gathering in Nashville, Tenn., April 23-25. These events were so beautifully distinct and yet together spoke to who the Alliance of Baptists is as a body of believers led by the Spirit — which certainly can shake some things up. Here is a sampling of some of the April gathering events.

We gathered for the Alliance Board meeting which you'll learn more about as you read this issue of connections.

We gathered for a Wine & Cheese party at Vanderbilt's Dyer Observatory to honor friends who give so much of their time, treasure and talents to the Alliance of Baptists.

We gathered to worship at Glendale Baptist Church where we sang everything from Johnny Cash to traditional hymns. And we prayed together with our sisters and brothers at Glendale Baptist as they continue the journey through grief over the loss of Emmie Mears.

We gathered to hear Viki Matson preach in the sanctuary as she shared the good news she discovered from Mark 2:1-12 in her sermon, The Company We Keep.

We gathered in three very different workshops to learn about the Didache, the Alliance's way of "doing mission" and the importance and impact of partnerships with seminaries and divinity schools.

And we gathered in Glendale's fellowship hall to converse with Tony Jones about the similarities and differences between the Alliance of Baptists and the emergent church movements.

We gathered. And we sang. And we prayed. And we listened. Yes, I'd say, with the help of the Spirit, we definitely shook some things up as you'll discover in this issue of connections. Enjoy!