Introduction
In the 2005–2008 Triennium, the multidimensional work of Women of the ELCA supports a theme (Act Boldly) and an initiative (Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls). Both the theme and the initiative grow out of the organization’s mission to "mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ."

Act Boldly
Participants in Women of the ELCA continue to explore the triennium theme, Act Boldly, first introduced at the July 2005 Triennial Gathering. They explore and live out this theme in community. The churchwide staff supports their efforts by producing many resources for their use. Among those resources are:

• Lutheran Woman Today. This magazine continues to feature stories of how women act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ, whether locally or globally.
• Interchange and its Spanish translation, Intercambio. This monthly newsletter provides articles empowering leaders and participants within the organization as they assist other women.
• Café. This monthly electronic newsletter engages young women, encouraging them to find their bold through articles addressing issues particularly relevant to young women.
• Bible studies. The September 2005–May 2006 study appearing in Lutheran Woman Today looks at the way women boldly use the gifts of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). A three-part study, Act boldly for health, will appear in the summer 2006 issues of the magazine, providing readers the opportunity to focus on health, wholeness (wellness), and abundant living. Two additional Bible studies on the Act Boldly theme have been produced as part of the organization’s anti-racism efforts, Today’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Reality; they are about to be published.
• Regional events. A series of regional events is planned for the second and third years of this triennium, allowing participants to explore the theme in a retreat setting close to home.
• Conference of Presidents. This year this annual conference, February 23–26, 2006, uses a "Finding your bold" theme. Synodical presidents will learn how "bold" can mean different things to different women. They’ll be challenged to find their own bold as an elected leader of the organization.

Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls
This health initiative, launched at the triennial gathering in July 2005, challenges, encourages, and enables women of all ages to care for themselves physically, spiritually, and emotionally so that in that wholeness they will be able to best live out their call as disciples of Christ. The churchwide staff supports these efforts by producing many resources for their use. Among those resources are:

• Lutheran Woman Today. The magazine includes a monthly column, "Health Wise," that explores ways in which women can be wise stewards of their health and well-being.
• Interchange and its Spanish translation, Intercambio. The newsletter includes articles focusing on building up healthy leaders.
• Café. The e-zine regularly looks at health issues from a young woman’s perspective; articles include, for example, body image, domestic violence, and heart health for young women.
• Conference of Presidents. Dr. Jeanne Porter, author of Leading Lessons: Insights on Leadership from Women of the Bible (Augsburg Fortress 2005), will address the presidents on what it takes to be a healthy leader, using examples of biblical women.
• Our Journey to Wellness: Conversations along the Way. This is a new resource, soon to debut. Containing four articles and discussion questions, it looks at mental health, spiritual health, physical health, and wholeness.
• Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls. Two events by this name, designed for all women of the church, take place this fall, one in Chicago, September 29–30, and one in Raleigh-Durham, October 27–28. Workshops, speakers, and interactive activities allow participants to explore their mental, spiritual, and physical health. Included in the event is a Healthy Heart Fair. An optional one-day session follows each event, showing participants how to replicate the event themselves.

In other matters
While programmatic efforts focus on boldness and health, the organization continues to expand communication between and among the three expressions of the organization, grow a more diverse financial base, and enhance partnerships with other Lutheran and ecumenical groups.

Members of the churchwide executive board anticipate an active convention season as they attend 46 synodical women’s organization conventions between April and November. New training tools and resources have been prepared to assist the board members in this important task.

Planning has begun for the Seventh Triennial Convention, July 8–10, 2008, and the Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA, July 10–13, 2008, both to be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Participants and staff alike look forward to observing the 20^th anniversary of Women of the ELCA throughout 2007, even as we anticipate the 25^th anniversary in 2012. (The Constituting Convention occurred June 11–14, 1987.)

For more information on these and other ministries of Women of the ELCA, visit womenoftheelca.org or the site of its magazine, lutheranwomantoday.org