November 16, 2023

“…speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.  Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:19-20

Henry Smith Jr. is a musician and song writer. He has written hundreds of hymns. Of the many songs that he has written, his most popular and most widely published work is the song, “Give Thanks.” Most hymnals, published today, will contain this song. It is simple and powerful.

The lyrics to the song, “Give Thanks” remind those who sing it to lift their thanksgiving to God. It is not only a reminder, but an opportunity to sing one’s gratitude as well. We know that offering our praise to God is important. When we take time to do so, it is a blessing to God and to ourselves. The lyrics to this song are simple and beautiful:

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks, because he’s given
Jesus Christ, his Son.
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks, because he’s given
Jesus Christ, his Son.

And now let the weak say ‘I am strong’,
let the poor say ‘I am rich’,
because of what the Lord has done for us;
and now let the weak say ‘I am strong’,
let the poor say ‘I am rich’,
because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks…

When Henry Smith Jr. wrote this song, he was going through a difficult time. He was unemployed and struggling with a significant health issue. Henry was slowly losing his eyesight. He is now legally blind. He never wavered in his faith. In fact, he found great comfort in God as he went through his struggles. Perhaps this is why he writes the powerful words, “And now let the weak say ‘I am strong’… because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks.”

It is important to live in a spirit of gratitude. It is a good thing to list the reasons we have to be thankful. When we pray, sing, and share our gratitude with God, we will find that we will clearly see just how much we must be thankful for. We have many reasons to give thanks today. You may be experiencing the best of life, or you might be in the midst of struggle, but in all things, we can give thanks.

– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship

April 18, 2020

As we remember the 25th Anniversary of the Bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building, we give thanks for the first responders who serve the community every day.

As a way to honor first responders in our current COVID-19 pandemic, we are asking everyone to take a few minutes and write a note of gratitude and mail it to someone you know that is a nurse, doctor, police, fire, emt, or other individuals that are working so hard right now right now.

Below we have provided a printable letterhead you can download and print, as well as a list of area first responders that you can mail to if you do not have someone you know personally.

“In honor of all you did 25 years ago, and in gratitude for all you continue to do today…”

Local First Responder Addresses

Hospitals
SSM St. Anthony’s
1000 N. Lee Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
 
Integris SW Medical Center
4401 S. Western Ave.
Oklahoma City, 73109
 
Mercy Hospital
4300 W. Memorial Av.
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
 
VA Hospital
921 NE 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
 
OU Medical Center
700 NE 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
 
Integris Baptist Medical Center
3300 NW Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
 
Integris Health Edmond
4801 INTEGRIS Parkway Edmond
Edmond, OK 73034
 
Mercy Emergency Department – Edmond
2301 W I- 35 Frontage Rd
Edmond, OK 73013
 
Norman Regional Hospital
901 N Porter Ave
Norman, OK 73071
Fire Stations
Edmond Fire Station 2
1315 S Broadway
Edmond, OK 73034
 
Edmond Fire Station
1540 W Danforth Rd
Edmond, OK 73003
 
OKC Fire Station 1
820 NW 5th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
 
OKC Fire Station 5
24 NW 22nd Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
 
OKC Fire Station 14
3129 NW 23rd Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
 
OKC Fire Station 21 
3240 SW 29th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73119
 
OKC Fire Station 23
2812 S Eastern Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73129
 
Emergency Medical
EMSA
3612 S Kelly Ave
Edmond, OK 73013
EMSA
1111 Classen Drive 
Oklahoma City, 73103
 
EMSA
2323 S. Walker Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Police Stations in OKC

Edmond Police Department
100 E 1st St
Edmond, OK 73034

Moore Police Department
117 E Main St
Moore, OK 73160

Norman Police Department
201 W Gray St B
Norman, OK 73069

Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office
201 N. Shartel Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

OKC Police – Hefner Division
3924 NW 122nd Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
 
OKC Police – Spring Lake Division
4116 N. Prospect Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
 
OKC Police Department
700 Colcord Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
 
OKC Police – South West Division
5501 S. Portland Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
 
OKC Police – Bricktown Station
219 E. Main Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73104