Hello everyone.

We want to take a few moments to address some of what many of you may be hearing regarding Ulfsalhöll Mystikos Circle, our proposed membership model, and the direction of the Kindred.

Let us begin with the single most important point.

THERE WILL NEVER BE A FINANCIAL BARRIER TO ATTENDING OR PARTICIPATING IN OUR MONTHLY CIRCLES.

Our monthly Circles are the cornerstone of our worship of the Gods. They have always been open to everyone, and they will remain open to everyone. That is not changing.

Now let's talk about why we are having this conversation.

UMC is no longer simply a group of friends gathering together. We are a legally incorporated religious organization, recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with our own EIN, bank accounts, and the responsibilities that come with operating transparently and responsibly in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Part of that responsibility is having a Board of Directors. Our Board currently consists of Nicole, Rose, and Ryan.

For nearly two years, the financial burden of operating the Kindred has been carried almost entirely by the three of us. Every Circle has costs. Supplies, food, ritual materials, equipment, and now, with the closing of the Labyrinth, the cost of renting meeting spaces. A typical Circle costs approximately $150–250 to hold. Larger events, such as our Midsummer Feast, cost substantially more. Those expenses have been paid personally by the Board because we believe in what we are building.

Nicole has also generously provided the Labyrinth as our gathering space. That chapter is coming to a close, and future meeting locations will require rent. One day, we hope to establish a permanent home for the Kindred. That vision requires planning, stewardship, and financial stability. Because of these realities, the Board researched a number of established kindreds, covens, congregations, and nonprofit religious organizations that have successfully grown beyond their founding years.

One thing was remarkably consistent.Organizations that endure generally have a membership model that allows those who wish to make an ongoing commitment to help support the work of the community.

After considerable discussion and research, the Board unanimously agreed to move in that direction. This was not the decision of one individual. It was the unanimous decision of all three members of the Board of Directors after months of discussion, research, and prayerful consideration. We also understood that this decision would raise questions.

That is okay.

Questions are healthy. Conversation is healthy. Disagreement can be healthy when approached with honesty and respect.

For that reason, we will be holding a special meeting, open to everyone who has attended Circle, to explain the membership program, answer questions, hear concerns, and discuss the future of the Kindred together.

Until then, we ask one thing of everyone.

Please choose honor over rumor. Please choose conversation over speculation. Please choose truth over assumptions. If you have concerns, bring them to us. If you have questions, ask us. If you disagree, tell us.

But attacking the honor or intentions of members of this Kindred, its leadership, or one another before hearing the facts serves neither our community nor the values we claim to uphold. For two years we have worked to build a Kindred rooted in hospitality, reciprocity, honor, and community. That has not changed. What is changing is that we are entering a new season. Growth requires responsibility. Responsibility requires stewardship. Stewardship requires all of us working together. That is what this membership model is intended to support.

We ask for your patience, your questions, your honesty, and above all, your continued fellowship as we move into this next chapter.

As one people.

As one Kindred.

Sköl.