That being said, have you ever considered the possibilities now that backpacks have become damn near ubiquitous?
True enough, as are day planners and laptop computer bags. But backpacks, even fanny packs aren't real common at church services, at least not here in my neck of the woods.
What does work pretty well for me, when something more than *just* what can be worn needs to be close at hand. is the little olive vinyl surplus bag that can double as either a bookbag, or handy tote, and from even a slight distance resembles a designer purse or carryall. But it's actually a Swiss Army gas mask bag, and is a double for the second one in my truck, which contains, among other things, a gas mask. And, in one of its outside pouches, six more loaded M1911 magazines for my M1911 or Commander. Other novelties reside in an under-seat toolbox.
I’ve seen plenty of zippered Bible covers. They’d be perfect for carrying a max pistol like a Glock 30 or XD.45.
Just don’t cut up a Bible.