Reflect on a house of worship that has become a blessing to those around them. That’s the vision of HKBP Distrik VIII DKI Jakarta Ressort Palmerah-Petamburan. This is more than just a church. It is a community hub.
HKBP Palmerah Petamburan celebrated its 49th anniversary in 2023. The church held a Pra Jubileum service. This service anticipated their 50th anniversary in 2024. The Jubileum celebration was planned alongside laying the first stone for the church.
Before the service the pastor’s residence was inaugurated. The residence on the third floor of the church was renovated. The ribbon was cut. A plaque was signed.
The Praeses of HKBP Distrik VIII DKI Jakarta Pdt Bernard Manik led the service. The service followed the Trinitatis tradition. It began at 9 am in HKBP Palmerah Petamburan. Pdt Kamiden Sitanggang led the liturgy. Pdt Lely Sibarani delivered the announcements. The elders and choir offered musical performances.
Pdt Bernard Manik spoke on “Being a Blessing in the Lord”. His sermon drew from Genesis 39 verses 1 to 5. He asked the congregation to consider if the church had blessed its surroundings. He questioned if the church was seen as a nuisance. Pdt Bernard Manik noted some churches are disliked. Their presence does not bring blessings. He urged the congregation to rely on God. He asked them to make the church a blessing. This aligns with HKBP’s vision. HKBP wants to bless the world.
St Andar Siburian the celebration committee head expressed gratitude. He thanked the congregation for their cooperation. He looked forward to the upcoming jubilee celebration in 2024. He reported on completed projects. He outlined the next steps for the jubilee. These steps included renovating the church’s interior.
After the service a birthday cake was cut. The cake was given to the Praeses elders and church representatives. Guests from HKBP Menteng Lama Gembira also received cake. HKBP Menteng Lama Gembira is a branch of HKBP Ressort Palmerah Petamburan.
Speeches were given. W Pakpahan and St Ramses Butarbutar spoke for the congregation. Pdt Bernard Manik offered pastoral guidance. A fundraising event enlivened the celebration. This included a music auction and door prizes. The funds raised supported jubilee preparations.
In October 2024 HKBP Palmerah Petamburan had a change. Pdt Lilis Suryani Siregar became the new functional pastor. Pdt Lely Murniati Sibarani was assigned to HKBP Ressort Jawa Tengah. The Koinonia Head of HKBP Distrik VIII DKI Jakarta led the service. The service took place during the XIX Sunday after Trinitatis. Pdt Ridoi Batubara released Pdt Lely Sibarani. Pdt Rina Siahaan read the decree. Pdt Kamiden Sitanggang was present. Appreciations were given to the departing pastor.