The Rev. Jon Mahlstedt couldn't pass up the opportunity to mix religion and football. Mahlstedt recently wrote his weekly saying on the sign at Waupun Assembly of God, where he serves the congregation's youth. His humorous message created an Internet sensation with its picture sent in countless e-mails, and cars often stopping to snap its photo.

Mahlstedt's message: "God will never leave you for the Jets!"

The lighthearted poke at Brett Favre has drawn considerable (and unexpected) attention to the Waupun church, located between Madison and Green Bay. Expected to be up one week, the message will remain for a third week through Saturday, when the church needs to promote its Bible class.

Church members hear from friends and family across the country who received the pictures of the sign in e-mail.

"It's been great. Most people have a sense of humor about it," says Mahlstedt, 23. "We thought it was kind of cool. We've had a few letters from people who wonder why we're dissing Brett or why we're comparing Brett to God."

ON TV

What: Green Bay Packers' final preseason game, vs. Tennessee

When: 6 p.m. today, Ch. 27