A podcast produced by Market Street UMC serving curious-minded folks in the greater Cedar Creek Lake, Texas region. A marketplace at the intersection of people and ideas where we chat on topics related to religion, goings on, movers and shakers, and try to have a good laugh. We carry no saddlebags. Only smartphones.
Sharing the Shoreline: Congregations Coming Together at Cedar Creek Lake
The podcast episode is a special broadcast featuring representatives from various congregations around Cedar Creek Lake. The host, Rob Risko, introduces the episode as the season finale for season two, focusing on positive stories of hope, transformation, and healing. The discussion includes representatives from various churches sharing their experiences and the impact of their ministries, including food pantries, community projects, and special worship services. The episode emphasizes the importance of laity in church activities and highlights various community outreach efforts, including the 821 Project, backpack programs, and the Red Tie Gala. The conversation also touches on the challenges and hopes for the future, particularly in engaging younger generations and addressing community needs. The episode concludes with a prayer, inviting listeners to explore the participating churches and engage in discipleship.
28 Oct 2025
Music, Love, and Community: A Talk with Kara Villines
In this episode of the Circuit Podcast, hosts Rob Risko and Pastor Wayne Walters welcome Kara Vallines, a local music educator and community figure. They discuss Kara's journey from a shy child in Mabank to a successful music teacher and the founder of Music Play Love. The conversation explores the importance of music education, the impact of technology on music, and the need for community support in the arts. Kara shares her experiences teaching music online during the pandemic and her vision for making music education accessible to all. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring musicians and information on how to connect with Kara's work.
14 Oct 2025
Roots and Renewal: Four Mile Lutheran Meets Market Street UMC, A Conversation with Deacon John Dellis
The Circuit podcast, hosted by Market Street UMC, featured Deacon John Dellis, a native of Mabank, Texas, and lifelong member of Four Mile Lutheran Church, the oldest ELCA congregation in Texas (founded in 1848). The conversation explored the rich history of Four Mile, its immigrant roots, and its role as a longstanding faith community alongside newer congregations like Market Street UMC.
Deacon Dellis shared his personal story, growing up in Mabank with deep Lutheran ties, receiving early encouragement from his home church, and later experiencing formative moments in Lutheran Campus Ministry at Baylor University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Though he never felt called to be a parish pastor, Dellis discerned his vocation as a deacon—a role in the ELCA that emphasizes ministry of word and service, especially at the intersection of church and community. His career included communications roles at St. Luke’s Lutheran Hospital in San Antonio and Texas Lutheran University, as well as his current service in legacy generosity foundations.
30 Sept 2025
Building Beloved Community: The Story of Celebration on the Lake
This conversation explores the journey of Celebration on the Lake. This church has evolved over 20 years to become a welcoming space for the LGBTQ community and others seeking spiritual connection. Bradley Scott, the board chair, shares insights into the church's origins, community outreach efforts, and the challenges faced by small congregations. The discussion highlights the importance of inclusivity, the role of allies, and the need for continued growth and the inclusion of new members. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology on worship and the church's commitment to addressing homelessness and community needs.
16 Sept 2025
Voices for the Voiceless: Shannon Gardner and Randy Squibb on Child Advocacy
This episode features Randy Squib, President of Kaufman County Children's Advocacy Center, and Shannon Gardner, the Executive Director.
2 Sept 2025
Ready, Set, College: Insights from the Dean of Students and Chaplain at SMU: A Conversation with Dr. Mindy Sutton and Rev. Lisa Garvin
In this episode of the Circuit we explore college readines and tips for students including faith formation and the importance of connection.
12 Aug 2025
Compassionate Leadership: A Conversation with Mabank High School Principal Mike Rowland
In this episode, The Circuit hosts Michael Rowland, High School Principal at Mabank. Topics discuss his background and pressing issues in education, including those affecting the state and the school district.
4 Aug 2025
Kairos and Hearts Transformed--An Interview with Bill Shehee
This episode explores the Kairos ministry through an interview with retired police officer Bill Shehee. Please take time to listen to this story of hearts transformed throught the power of Christ.
22 Jul 2025
Telling Our Story: Hope and Healing
In this episode, The Circuit hosts Pastor Vic Casad and tells the story of Market UMC and how the experience of a new church start led to a feeling of Pentecost and desire to share the Good News!
13 Apr 2025
Stations of the Cross
A recording to accompany the Stations of the Cross for Market Street UMC during Holy Week 2025.
9 Dec 2024
Golf, Dentistry, and Living a Christian Life--An Interview with Dr. John Loar, DDS
In this episode The Circuit catches up with Dr. John Lohr, his career in dentistry, and experiences in serving others in ministry.
18 Nov 2024
Feeding the Spirit--A Conversation with Kelly Boughton and MAGS
In this episode Kelly Boughton of Mabank Area Good Samaritans (MAGS) discusses the impact of food insecurity around Cedar Cree Lake.
4 Nov 2024
It's a YoungLife--A Conversation with Jason Hoffman
Tune in to hear the wonderful news of youth from Henderson County and the Cedr Creek Lake area. Jason Hoffman is Area Director for YoungLife, a non-denominational Christian youth ministry.
21 Oct 2024
Bookish--A conversation with Jen Sherman
In this episode we have the pleasure to hear from Jen Sherman, owner of Bookish in Malakoff, Texas. Take a moment to hear her story and ministry to increase love of literature around Cedar Creek Lake.
7 Oct 2024
Inclusive Compassion--A Conversation with Rev. Jim Dees
Reverend Jim Dies is a retired Presbyterian Pastor and Engineering Professor at SMU. Please listen to his journey to ministry.
23 Sept 2024
Art House--We are all Artists. An Interview with Mike and Stacey Farmer
An interview with Mike and Stacey Farmer from the Art House in Trinidad, Texas.
8 Sept 2024
Coaching, Kids, and Faith--A conversation with Jeff Sutton
An interview with Coach Jeff Sutton detailing stories of youth success and hope for the next generation.
26 Aug 2024
Forever Families--Hope and Healing with Alison Partridge
In this episode The Circuit discusses the difficult topic of human trafficking. Take a moment to listen to Alison Partridge from Forever Families and her stories of hope.
28 Jan 2024
The Circuit.
A podcast dedicated to Good News and hope for tomorrow around Cedar Creek Lake. Operated by Market Street UMC.
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