Next week, during the Symposia at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, we at Gottesdienst have plans to announce  the recipient of our prestigious  Sabre of Boldness  award, in the student commons after the Symposia banquet, on Thursday, January 23 ^rd .

The Sabre ceremony is in its nineteenth year.  The list of recipients includes parish pastors, district presidents, bishops, some well known and some unsung heroes of the faith, and, as of last year, a lay woman. 

Nominations are invited.  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.”  Submit a nomination to Fr. Eckardt via e-mail or in person at the Symposia (until Tuesday, January 21st, when the slate will close).  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, steadfast resistance to pressures to compromise, heedlessness of threats, and a clear confession of faith are considered.