A goofy-looking guy in fuzzy bunny ears next to the words "Skip Church This Easter" cover three billboards in western Wayne County. In slightly smaller type below is a link to SkipEaster.com.
Spoiler alert.
It is a gag arising from the rare converging of Easter Sunday and April Fool’s Day.
Ward Church in Northville employs the April Fool to pooh-pooh religious observance on the day more Protestants and Catholics attend services more than any other.
“Just as Jesus did some unexpected things after His resurrection, we thought something unexpected was appropriate,” said Ward Senior Pastor Scott McKee. “Easter being on April 1 provided a chance to do it. Of course, we want people to join us on Easter.”
It works only every few decades. The last time Easter Sunday fell on that day was in 1956. The next time will be in 2029.
One static billboard is on the west side of northbound I-275 near 5 Mile Road. Two others on M-14 near Sheldon Road rotate with other messages.
“We’ve been pleasantly surprised with the traffic and interaction of the SkipEaster.com site,” said Ward spokeswoman Emily Germain. “We’ve had a few webforms submitted. The people responding are those who may not have been inclined to visit a church website.”
One email she shared seemed to get the humor in the message.
“As a very non-Christian person, I was utterly intrigued by your billboard,” it said in part. “While I will not be joining you on Easter Sunday, I do appreciate the light touch, and the kindness that your ad (and website) are showing.”
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