FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Redwood City’s Renowned Living Nativity Lights Up With Union Help

Redwood City, CA - October 27, 2009 - Volunteers from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, (IBEW) Local Union 617, blew onto the set of Bethlehem A.D. this last Saturday morning to assist with electrical work.    The team of fourteen installed safe electrical power and lighting for the Nativity Scene in addition to other requested needs in the office.  Twelve specific jobs were completed by lunchtime and then, as quickly as they appeared – they disappeared into the early afternoon.


These electricians pride themselves with continued community service projects such as “Rebuilding Together Peninsula” and “Habitat for Humanity”.  The members enjoy giving back to their communities and living up to their motto of being  “the Union of Hearts and Minds”.  IBEW Local 617 has been serving San Mateo County communities for over 100 years.


The crew of volunteers who put together Bethlehem A.D. found such proficient professional help to be a huge boost to their efforts this year.  Bethlehem A.D. is an authentic rendition of the town of Bethlehem in Judea circa 01 AD.  Portraying the environment of ancient Israel occupied under Roman rule, it is not a passive tableau but an interactive experience involving hundreds of actors and animals. Sojourners walking through the town encounter tax collectors, marketplace vendors, folkdancers, Herod – looking to destroy any newborn ‘king’, centurions, captives being taken to Rome to be sold as slaves, rabbis arguing Biblical prophecy, the wisemen and of course the manger surrounded by angels. 


The event is sponsored by Peninsula Christian Center but is constructed and directed through the efforts of an entirely volunteer crew.  These volunteers come from many church and civic groups and the extraordinary Living Nativity becomes their free gift to the San Francisco Peninsula.


Bethlehem A.D. 2009 takes place at 1312 Middlefield Road (corner of Cassia and Middlefield) on December 21, 22 and 23 from 6:00 to 9:30.  It is a walk through experience.  There is ample parking nearby.


Bethlehem A.D. thanks IBEW Local 617 of San Mateo County, Rosendin Electric of San Jose, who provided most of the electrical materials, SFO Representatives of San Carlos who provided Circuit Breakers, and lastly John Herrman, Joe Sweeting and Alan Sheehan who coordinated the job site and volunteers. 


More information about Electrical Union Local 617 can be found at www.ibew617.com

More information about Bethlehem A.D. can be found at www.BethlehemAD.com

 
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