Day of Prayer & Service - Join Us!

Since the 1990s, the Northwestern community has gathered on-campus in the spring for a dedicated Day of Prayer & Service—a long‑standing tradition when students, staff & faculty pause their regular schedules and spend the day praying, serving, and reconnecting with God and one another.

This year, we invite alumni and families to join in this meaningful community tradition—on campus, online, or from wherever you live around the world. Whether you’ve been part of this day in the past or you’re joining for the very first time, we welcome you to participate in the way that fits your location and rhythm of life.

Full Details: https://www.unwsp.edu/events/day-of-prayer-and-service/

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:02

Join as we highlight the people, the purpose, and the pulse of Northwestern. This is the Unwavering Podcast.

SPEAKER_03 0:29

Hey everybody, and welcome to another episode of the Unwavering Podcast. My name is Monty. And I'm Cassie. And today's episode is a PSA for PS Day. What does that mean? Oh, sure. Uh let me try again. Today's episode is a public service announcement for the 2026 Day of Prayer and Service.

SPEAKER_02 0:50

Okay, that's much better, thank you.

SPEAKER_03 0:52

You're welcome. And honestly, this is one of my favorite days of the year at Northwestern.

SPEAKER_02 0:56

Same here. It's such a meaningful tradition, and this year we're especially excited because we're inviting our alumni and community to be part of it in a bigger way.

SPEAKER_03 1:05

That's right. So let's break it down for you, quick and simple. First, the win. Thursday, April 23rd, 2026. Day of prayer and service. Go ahead. Mark your calendar now. Do it right now. Oh really? We'll wait. April 23rd. April 23rd. It's April 23rd. Put it on your calendar.

unknown 1:23

April 23rd.

SPEAKER_03 1:24

Okay. Hopefully you actually did that. Um, next, the where. This is the best part. You can participate here on campus, online, or wherever you live.

SPEAKER_02 1:34

Whether you're local to Northwestern, across the country, or even across the world, you can be part of this day with us.

SPEAKER_03 1:40

Exactly. This isn't just a campus event anymore. Oh no. It's a community-wide movement.

SPEAKER_02 1:46

So let's talk about the what. What does the day actually look like?

SPEAKER_03 1:50

Sure thing. Thanks for asking, Cassie. At its core, it's exactly what it sounds like. A day set aside for prayer and service.

SPEAKER_02 1:58

Wow. Thanks for that. Okay, if you live on or near campus, there are some really tangible ways to jump in. You can join a guided prayer walk, spend time in one of the campus chapels, or serve in the afternoon with some spring cleanup projects.

SPEAKER_03 2:13

And if you can't make it on campus, whether that's because of timing or maybe you just live on the other side of the world, uh, we've got you covered too. You can join a live online prayer gathering or simply take intentional time throughout your day to pray right wherever you are. We'll even provide you with a prayer guide.

SPEAKER_02 2:29

What time is the online prayer gathering?

SPEAKER_03 2:31

Noon siesti. What? Uh what's siesti?

SPEAKER_02 2:36

Oh, Central Standard Time. Oh.

SPEAKER_03 2:39

Sure. The online prayer gathering is at noon Central Standard Time.

SPEAKER_02 2:44

And when it comes to service, this is where it gets really fun.

SPEAKER_03 2:47

Yep. This is your chance to look around your everyday life and ask one simple question. How can I help?

SPEAKER_02 2:53

That could be serving your church or your neighborhood, your workplace, or even just being intentional in your own home.

SPEAKER_03 2:59

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 3:00

Which I think my husband would really like.

SPEAKER_03 3:02

You probably would. Yeah. And if you're wondering uh what that would look like, it can be really simple. Maybe it's calling or emailing your mayor or city administration to ask how you can help.

SPEAKER_02 3:12

Or texting a neighbor or a friend to check in and see what they might need.

SPEAKER_03 3:16

Maybe even sending a Facebook message to your grandma. Don't forget about grandma.

SPEAKER_02 3:20

Never forget grandma.

SPEAKER_03 3:21

Or finding a way to serve right at home, right, Cassie?

SPEAKER_02 3:24

Yes.

SPEAKER_03 3:24

Your spouse, your kids, your roommate.

SPEAKER_02 3:27

Big or small, it all counts. This day is about living out our faith in real tangible ways.

SPEAKER_03 3:32

Which leads us to the why.

SPEAKER_02 3:34

Why, yes, it does. At Northwestern, this day has been a tradition for decades, and we actually did our homework on this one. We talked with Jim Johnson, the former alumni director, Dave, the alumni guy, Halson's guard, and Dean Paulson, our beloved chapel coordinator.

SPEAKER_03 3:49

Who is named Dean, but not actually a dean.

SPEAKER_02 3:51

Hmm. Interesting. And we confirm this tradition goes back to the mid to late 90s, and it's been a time to pause, refocus, and reconnect with the Lord and with each other ever since.

SPEAKER_03 4:02

And now we get to extend that beyond campus. It's an opportunity for all of us as a community to put our faith into action.

SPEAKER_02 4:10

To pray together.

SPEAKER_03 4:11

To serve intentionally.

SPEAKER_02 4:12

And to seek the welfare of the communities God has placed us in.

SPEAKER_03 4:15

So here's your invitation. Join us on April 23rd. However, it works best for you and wherever you are, maybe your job will even give you some bonus PTO for doing a service project.

SPEAKER_02 4:26

I hope so. And one more thing, we'd love to know you're participating. Be sure to RSVP and let us know how you plan to be involved. There's a link in this episode description with all the details and a place to RSVP.

SPEAKER_03 4:39

That's right. RSVP, ASVP. We can't wait to see how God moves throughout this day.

SPEAKER_02 4:44

Both on campus and all around the world.

SPEAKER_03 4:47

That's right. This has been a PSA for the PS Day. Whatever. Go Eagles!

SPEAKER_00 4:54

Holding on to your promises. Holding on to your face.

SPEAKER_01 4:59

Thank you for listening. To hear more, subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen. And if you know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of Northwestern doing amazing things out in the world, let us know at alumni at unwsp.edu. The unwavering podcast, highlighting the people, the purpose, and the pulse of Northwestern.

SPEAKER_00 5:21

Your love is on