Pipin' Padre to lead Sunday service

When Sunday morning rolls around at the Carson City Rendezvous, those sleeping in the encampment will get a special awakening by the Rev. Robert Bledsaw.

Bledsaw's version of reveille will be performed on bagpipes.

Bledsaw is leading Sunday service at the Rendezvous. He will begin piping "Amazing Grace" in the Civil War area, play "Going Home," and as he approaches the stage area where morning service will be held, play "Dixie."

"I'm looking forward to it," Bledsaw said. "I think it will be fun."

Bledsaw, 39, has been pastoring more than 10 years. He is a former U.S. Navy hospital corpsman and is a self-proclaimed "bedpan commando."

But Bledsaw said it was while he was a deacon with Berean Christian Ministries in Rocklin, Calif., that ministry became an "all-consuming passion" and he felt he had to do it.

Bledsaw is pastor of River of Life Christian Fellowship in Carson City. He is also dining room coordinator for the Carson City Senior Citizens Center.

His goal for Sunday's service is to give others the idea God is a real person.

"My sermon will be that everyone is special to God. I hope people will walk away feeling God has touched them. Because God rules. God's cool -- and he likes kilts."

Bledsaw will wear his traditional Scottish kilt for the service. He said he was honored when asked to be part of the annual Rendezvous festivities.

"I first thought, 'This is a cowboy service, I'll look pretty silly in a kilt.' But Joy (Evans, with the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau) said it didn't matter. I didn't have to be in cowboy boots to do this.

"But I have a sense of humor. I'll tell jokes and maybe sing out of key. But I will bring a special message from God."

IF YOU GO

What: Church service

When: 10 a.m. Sunday

Where: main stage, Mills Park