Does anyone here know if that's a real thing? The walking up and crossing one's arms?

It is completely a real thing. I used to be a Eucharistic minister, and was totally used to people doing that. However, you generally skip the wine, at that point--only do it for the bread.

I was just coming back here to say that I just found stuff on the interpipe that talks about it. I'll be damned.

(Pun intended.)

I'm totally non-religious, but that sounds like something I would be totes willing to do.

A blessing is just a wish for goodness and peace, right? No harm in anyone wishing that, IMHO.

I don't mind doing it, other than it just sounded awkward to me, like it would be broadcasting "LOOK AT THE INFIDELS UP HERE!!!" But if it's common, then I guess we won't be run out with pitchforks and crucifixes.

Maybe mention it to the priest beforehand? That way, he just does his thing, and there's no awkward dance around the Eucharist?

Tim's dad has already told the priest about his son and family who are Lutheran, because they'll have to do the same thing. So I assume he probably told the priest about us, too. And maybe it's commonplace at their parish, I don't know.

Oops. I totally stayed in the pew when I went to my friend's ordination. Maybe Episcopalians handle it differently?

My old parish is in SoCal and it's common there as well. In fact, the priest usually announces it at the beginning of communion - announces that folks who don't want to receive Communion are welcome to come up and cross their arms across their chests (pharoah-style) to indicate they're not receiving communion but would be happy with a blessing instead.

My eldest brother & his family are in town for the funeral and staying the night here. I'm really struggling with all the emotions I have around him. I'm the first-born but he's the one who's the golden boy. It's very difficult for me to be mature and just let that stuff roll off my back. It brings up some really deep-set feelings of injustice in me. It doesn't help that the way he was treated gave him a confidence I don't have and it's resulted in a much more comfortable existence for him than I've ever had.

I just want to stay in my room until he's gone but that's silly because we're going to have to interact at the funeral.

I have never heard of that crossing arms thing. I grew up Catholic and moved all over the country, too. I am not Catholic anymore and just stay in the pew when others go up for Communion. No one has ever suggested anything else to me. I've been an ex-Catholic for at least 25 years.

That's a tough one, Spidra. Hugs to you (if you want them).