Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City held its fourth annual New Year’s Blessing on Friday, Jan. 16. Hospital departments came together to give glory to God for sustaining the hospital through previous years and to commit to setting a future trajectory of compassionate care for the new year.
The hospital’s 2026 theme, “Worthy of the Calling,” inspires team members to love and serve the community in a worthy manner. It is based on Ephesians 4:1-3: “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Director of Pastoral Care Chaplain Michael Dennison said: “This year’s ceremony was very special, because it was focused on team-driven testimonies and responses to God’s grace and mercy. Traditionally, we’ve used keynote speakers to provide inspiration; however, this year we encouraged our staff to personally share how God is working in their lives.”
The event opened with a praise report from Linda Knight, Health Information Management analyst. She shared how God carried her through her recent cancer diagnosis. Jamie Powell, Admissions representative, then shared a scripture.
Jennifer Cash, head nurse in Cardiac Rehab; Elsie Stricklin, MRI lead technologist; and Christy Stubblefield, nurse manager of the Emergency department, shared moments that made them proud and encouraged their daughters, who are the second generation in their families to work at the hospital, to keep persevering in their work.
A baptism was included in the program. Jennifer Borneman, director of Admissions, introduced the baptism candidate, Megan Fields, who works in Admissions. Borneman spoke on Fields’ behalf and shared her desire to accept Jesus and how her Savior has transformed her life. Team members wrote encouraging messages for Fields and shared them on a board.
Dennison and Chaplain Curtis McLendon performed the baptism with a borrowed baptistry from the Refuge Church in Union City.
Baptist Union City CEO and Administrator Skipper Bondurant gave the team charge, motivating his team to continue growing both personally and professionally. Bondurant led the audience in a reflection reading to honor God and Baptist Memorial Health Care’s mission, vision and values.
When asked about his team’s performance over the past year, Bondurant replied, “We’ve had such a wonderful year meeting many of our goals in 2025, and it’s only with the very best health care professionals that we can accomplish these goals. Another reason we are successful is that we do a great job of knowing why we show up daily, and that is to honor and love the Lord by serving others through health care.”
Anita Hayslett, respiratory therapist, delivered a beautiful rendition of the song, “Come Jesus Come,” and Steve Gaither, director of Environmental Services, concluded the program with the Lord’s Prayer.
“Our hospital leadership goes above and beyond to always support our staff in their faith journey and, in turn, we promise to continue providing the community with an experience that points to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. In short, we believe our work matters to God,” said Dennison.
