We at the Congregational Resource Guide deeply mourn the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Anne Van Dusen.

After serving as Director of Communications at Trinity Church in Boston, Anne joined the staff of the Alban Institute as Senior Research Associate in December of 2003. At Alban, she was instrumental in developing and promoting the Congregational Resource Guide (CRG). She was particularly gifted in strategic planning, relational marketing, and convening focus groups on issues ranging from "clergy self-care" to "the impact of technology on congregations."

During Anne's tenure, the number of visitors to the Congregational Resource Guide more than tripled. In addition, Anne pioneered "Wise Voices," a series of interviews that brought the perspectives of new and creative leaders to the CRG. At the time of her death, she was designing a CRG "blog" that would encourage congregations to share stories, concerns, and resource recommendations.

Anne strongly believed that every congregation should recognize, honor, and develop the gifts and strengths of its leaders and congregants. This belief was especially reflected in her widely-read CRG report on lay ministry. Anne also believed in the value of effective communications in congregations, and wrote a series of articles on this topic for Alban's online "Weekly" publication.

But equally as important as her accomplishments were the personal and spiritual qualities that Anne brought to her work. Colleagues and friends remember her warmth, kindness, empathy, and sense of humor—as well as her deep faith.

Two notes posted next to Anne's desk bear witness to these qualities. One was a copy of a poem by Denise Levertov (click on "The Avowal" to read the poem online).

The other was a post-it note on which she had written three reminders:

1. Show up;
2. Make room;
3. Listen.

All of us who knew Anne will affirm that she followed those reminders, every day.

We give thanks for Anne's life and for the insight, beauty, and grace she brought to our lives. May God bless her family, friends, and all who mourn her passing.