Living the Rhythms: From Rooted to Real Community
When Isabella and her husband Jeff came to Summit about seven or eight years ago, they weren’t just looking for a Sunday service. They were looking for connection—relationships that went beyond the hour-and-a-half of church.
Isabella’s first step into community came through a Bible study called Parfait and Onions. Only after showing up did she realize it was designed for graduates of reGROUP, Summit’s Christ-centered recovery ministry that helps people navigate struggles such as addiction, loss, and relational brokenness.
At first she wasn’t sure she belonged. But what struck her was how raw it was. “I’d never been part of a Bible study that was so real,” she remembers. “I was hooked.”
Even so, she still hoped Jeff would find deeper friendships, especially with other men. Their Bible study only met every two weeks, and she knew they both needed more. When she heard about Rooted, she thought, this is it.
Rooted gave Isabella and Jeff exactly what they were searching for: multi-generational friendships, leaders willing to ask the hard questions, and people who welcomed honesty. “This group was so transparent, so raw,” Isabella says.
The relationships didn’t stop when the ten weeks ended. Their group decided to keep meeting, forming a group now affectionately called Hammer Time.
Why the name? Their leaders never opened with fluffy icebreakers. Instead, the very first question of each gathering went straight to the heart—deep dives into faith, relationships, and life with God. “It was like being hammered with truth,” Isabella laughs. “But in the best way.”
The group still gathers every two weeks, rotating homes so no one carries the whole load. “We’re real friends,” she says simply. “We have them over for dinner just because we want to be together. That’s what God wanted for us—community.”
Serving and generosity, two of Rooted’s seven rhythms, stuck with Isabella and Jeff in a special way. Not long after their Rooted experience, their group began volunteering with The Table in Winter Springs, putting those rhythms into practice together.
“As restaurateurs, serving was always part of our lifestyle,” Isabella explains. “But we hadn’t been serving in the community.”
While others prepped food or handed out plates, Isabella sat at tables, listening to stories. She noticed quickly that most people were not there because they lacked food, but because they lacked company.
Rooted didn’t just create friendships or spark service opportunities. It changed how Isabella lives her faith.
“Our leaders dug deep—nothing was on the surface,” she says. “Those questions made me more aware. Now I try to be more mindful of my actions, of the things I say, and of the things I need to make right. It’s very real.”
For Isabella and Jeff, there’s no going back to surface-level church life. “Rooted gave us real friends, real faith, and real community,” she says.
If you see Isabella and Jeff at Summit—likely serving in Base Camp with kindergarteners—don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with a warm “Ciao!” She’s full of life, quick to share a smile, and always ready to remind others to live your best life. Or as she says, Viva la sua vita migliore!