About the Curacy Program
The Curacy Program of the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas is an investment in both the future of ordained ministry and the vitality of Episcopal congregations across our state. Through the program, newly ordained clergy are given the opportunity to grow in their vocation through hands-on ministry, mentorship, and meaningful service within local congregations. At the same time, churches throughout Arkansas benefit from the energy, leadership, pastoral care, and presence these curates bring to their communities. Today, curates are serving in communities across Arkansas, including Hope, Hot Springs Village, Mena, Foreman, Van Buren, and Fort Smith, to name a few.
Supporting and expanding the Curacy Program is a priority for Bishop Harmon as the Diocese works to strengthen congregations and develop clergy for a lifetime of ministry. In the coming year, the Diocese will offer more than $200,000 in supporting curates, the congregations, and the ministries in which they serve together. Gifts to the Curacy Program help make this important work possible—forming new leaders while bringing vital ministry to Episcopal communities throughout Arkansas.
Seated from Left: The Rev. Dr. Chris Keller, The Rev. Laura Phillips, Curate (Holy Trinity Hot Springs Village), The Right Rev. John T.W. Harmon, and The Rev. Susan Sims Smith.
Standing from Left: The Rev. Michael McCain, The Rev. Michael Mitchell, Curate (St. Mark’s Hope), The Rev. Aric Bokker, Curate (St. Barnabas Foreman), The Rev. Andrew White, Curate (St. John’s Fort Smith), The Rev. James Crews, Curate (Trinity Van Buren), The Rev. Charles Martin, Curate (St. Martin’s/St. Paul’s Fayetteville).
Not Pictured: The Rev. Dakota “Cody” Blackmon, Curate (St. Nicholas Maumelle), The Rev. Dr. Bruce Bryant, Curate (Christ Church Mena), The Rev. Marcus Emmons, Curate, The Rev. Elizabeth Henry-McKeever.
Support the Curacy Program
Give by check:
Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas
P.O. Box 164668
Little Rock, AR 72216-4668
Memo line: Jubilee
Videos About the Curacy Program
Jubilee Lights; Answering the Call for the Diocesan Curacy Program
2026, October 2 - The Graduate Hotel - Fayetteville, Arkansas
What a wonderful evening at the inaugural Jubilee Lights, Answering the Call for the Diocesan Curacy Program, an event hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas!
On Friday, October 2, guests filled the ballroom at the Graduate Hotel in Fayetteville, Arkansas, for an evening of celebration, fellowship, and support for the Curacy Program and the work of the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas. Following a lively cocktail hour featuring a magician, libations, and hors d'oeuvres, guests gathered for dinner and a program highlighting the important role the Curacy Program plays in developing clergy and strengthening congregations across our Diocese.
The evening included a blessing from The Reverend Canon Melanie Lemburg, reflections from The Reverend Laura Phillips on her experience in the Curacy Program, and remarks from the Bishop, The Right Rev. John T.W. Harmon, who shared his vision for the Curacy program and the importance of continued support.
We were also honored to recognize three remarkable persons as the inaugural Jubilee Lights honorees: The Reverend David Angus of St. James’ in Eureka Springs, Sue Geery of St. Andrew’s in Mountain Home, and Jackie Pardew of St. Mark’s in Jonesboro for their faithful and outstanding ministry in the community and the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas. The evening concluded on a joyous note with entertainment by Anitra Jay.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, table hosts, ticket holders, silent auction supporters, and guests, funds were raised to help support the important work of the Curacy Program. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the first Jubilee Lights such a meaningful celebration. Special thanks to the event planning committee: Wanda Dunwoody, Rick DeLaney, and Walt Eilers.
While the event itself has concluded, we invite you to view the included photos and videos. The need to support the Curacy program is still great - we ask you to prayerfully consider donating in honor of our current and future Curates or in celebration of our three Jubilee Lights honorees. We are grateful and blessed for those of you who will invest in the future of ministry in Arkansas.
2026 Honoree, Sue Geery (St. Andrew's, Mountain Home) 2026 October 2 - Jubilee Lights, Fayetteville
Honoree, The Reverend David Angus (St. James', Eureka Springs) 2026 October 2 - Jubilee Lights, Fayetteville
Honoree, Jackie Pardew (St. Mark's, Jonesboro) 2026 October 2 - Jubilee Lights, Fayetteville