The Sabre of Boldness ceremony, held annually at the Concordia  Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne) Symposia on the Lutheran Confessions, is now in its eighteenth year, a longevity which in itself adds to the venerable character of the event. The event is set for Thursday, January 24, following the symposia banquet.

Nominations for the 2013 Sabre Bearer are being sought. The award is given “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity on behalf of the Holy Church of Christ while engaged in the confession of His pure Gospel in the face of hostile forces and at the greatest personal risk.”

Please send your nomination to Fr. Eckardt via email. State the name, address, and telephone number of the nominee and the reasons why he or she is a fitting choice for Sabre Bearer. The degree of the adversity faced by the nominee, a demonstration of steadfast resistance to pressures to compromise the truth of the Gospel, heedlessness of threatened personal consequences, and a clear confession of the truth at stake are considered. The slate of nominees will close on Tuesday, January 22, 2013. Then the editors of Gottesdienst will meet privately to make their selection.

The CTS Symposia on the Lutheran Confessions are scheduled for January 22-25, 2013. This year the Gottesdienst crowd will again be staying at La Quinta Inn and Suites, at 2902 East Dupont Road in Fort Wayne, at the special discount rate of $72 per night (that’s a $27 discount). Just minutes from the seminary, this La Quinta has a spacious indoor swimming pool, exercise room, and free breakfast. To reserve a room at this special rate, call 1-260-490-7950 and mention that you are with Gottesdienst. Be sure to make your reservation by January 8. If you are staying at La Quinta, you will want to join us for the high point of symposia week, which is (as every Gottesdienster should know) the announcement of the recipient of our prestigious Sabre of Boldness award. Last year the Sabre event was moved on campus. At press time we don’t know whether the ceremony will be held at La Quinta or at the seminary campus, or perhaps another site in Fort Wayne, so you’ll need to stay tuned.   Join the Gottesdienst crowd at La Quinta!