Imagine standing on Jalan Raya Bogor KM 25. Right here is HKBP Cijantung. This church has a strong history in Jakarta Timur. It serves as a vital place of worship for Christians.
HKBP Cijantung is more than just a building. It is a community hub. People gather here for routine Sunday services. They also come for special events. These include Easter, Christmas, and baptisms. Even Good Friday finds solemn observance within these walls.
The church’s architecture offers a cool and welcoming atmosphere. HKBP Cijantung history in Jakarta Timur is significant. This makes it a cherished place for Christian worship.
One notable event occurred on August 18 2024. Pdt. Dr. Marudut P. Silitonga was reassigned. He had served at HKBP Cijantung for seven years and four months. The church honored him. He was moving to the HKBP District VIII office in Jakarta. There he would become legal advisor. He also lectured in law at Universitas Kristen Indonesia.
The farewell service was led by Pdt. Abednego Sirait. The service included special music. Choirs like Kantate HKBP Cijantung and others performed. After the service, a farewell was held in the HKBP Cijantung multipurpose building.
HKBP is part of the Lutheran World Federation. The layout of the altar is interesting. It often follows a Calvinist design. The pulpit stands in the altar’s center. It occupies a high position. Lutheran churches usually place the pulpit to the altar’s left. HKBP Menteng in Jakarta follows this Lutheran tradition.
The design understanding varies. Many church building architects are not theologians. They focus on aesthetics. Theological considerations often take a back seat. Many church members do not understand the layout’s meaning.
Entering a church designed according to Lutheran teachings reveals two sections. The first is the seating area. It is considered the ‘world area’. The altar is the second part. The church views this as a ‘holy area’ or ‘heavenly area’. Therefore, the altar is sacred.
At the altar’s center, a rectangular chest sits beneath the cross. This beautifully carved chest represents the Lord’s table. Why is it called the Lord’s table? Because it holds the communion bread and wine. Offerings should be placed on this table. It is a sacred place for sacred gifts. The dining table is the innermost part of a home. It is like an inner chamber.
To the left of the Lord’s table is the baptismal font. Martin Luther saw baptism as good news. It is the Gospel. Its position mirrors the pulpit. The Gospel is shared through word and sacrament. Many people attend Sunday services. But they do not consider the meaning behind the church’s arrangement.
Between the Gospel of sacrament and the Gospel of word stands an intermediary. This person connects the divine and earthly realms. A church elder stands there. Yet in faith, it is Jesus Christ. He is the only mediator between God and humanity. The elder represents Christ during the service.
The distance between the Lord’s table and the seats is considerable. The distance between holy God and sinful humanity is great. It requires a mediator. When Jesus stands at the altar in the elder, people can communicate with the heavenly altar.
People come to HKBP Cijantung to encounter the risen Lord. Sunday services reflect heavenly worship. The Lord’s Prayer asks for God’s will to be done on earth as in heaven. Revelation chapters four and five describe worship in heaven. This worship centers on God and Jesus Christ. Christian worship focuses on praising God through Jesus Christ.
Before services, church officials gather. All members should attend. They review the service program. Then they pray. They present the service to God. Nothing unprayed for should occur during the service.
After prayer, the church bell rings. It signals the arrival of the King of Kings. Members respond with personal prayers. Then, the officials enter. The service begins at HKBP Cijantung.