Christopher Caudle, Rector

Christopher is someone I hasten to describe as one in whom there is no guile.  While he has an authentic sense of humor, loving bad jokes as well good ones, he'll not be heard using it inappropriately.  He is for sure, a man after our Lord's own heart.  He has an acute sense of propriety as well, what needs to be done and when and how, most of the time anyway.
 
Anyone who has sat at his feet knows him to be a learned student and studied teacher.  Most folks into books as he is, are not so much into people, not so with Fr. Christopher, he has a pastor's heart.  While doing and being all of this he somehow manages to keep his family as a keen priority.  And well he should as precious as they are.

He keeps things in very good order with his Lord, his family, and his ministry.  Of course one look into his inner sanctum and his sins are right before your eyes, his addiction to Coca-Cola and books are there for all to see.  Nothing is hidden, as I said, one without guile.

Sara Buffington, Worship and Music Leader

I have been a member of New Covenant since 2007, when my husband Peter and I and our two children moved here to Florida.  I like to say I married into this church, since Father Carl is my father-in-law, but truth be told I would have come here anyway!

I graduated from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia where I majored in English, but I spent all my spare time in the music building.  I have taught eighth grade, written curricula for homeschoolers, and currently I educate my (now three) children at home.  All the while I have been a member of the worship team. 

In April 2013 I started leading worship at New Covenant.  I love music.  I always have, but worshiping the Lord in song is my calling and my passion.  I never thought I would be a lead worshiper, but now I see how God has been preparing me for this my whole life.  I am very thankful.  It's a joy and a privilege!

Tracy Harper, Administrator

I’m Tracy Harper and have been the Administrator at New Covenant since December, 2019. My background is in administration and bookkeeping, which I did for a local law firm for 24 years, as well as for my former church.

I was born in Northern Illinois, but grew up In Winter Park, having graduated from Winter Park High School (Go ‘Cats!), and then went on to attend Hillsborough Community College and University of South Florida in Tampa.

My husband, Scott, daughter, Lily, and I have been attending New Covenant since 2009 and have felt at home here since the first Sunday we attended. I am active on the Altar Guild and love serving God by preparing His table.

Scott and I adopted Lily from Fuzhou, Jiangxi, China in 2007 when she was 6 years old. We firmly believe in second chances and as Bishop Carl would say, “God blessed our socks off!” with Lily. We also have my son and daughter (Ian and Katy) who are both in their 30’s, live nearby, and have blessed us with some awesome grandchildren to keep us busy.

We have a bunny and a dog to chase around at home and in my spare time, I enjoy gardening, writing, and playing with the grandkids.

Bishop Carl Buffington, Bishop in Residence

My ministry at New Covenant began in 1993.  Barbara, my wife, and our 3 children moved here from Evergreen, CO, high and dry to low and wet, quite a  change.  I was brought up in the northeast, a suburb of New York, and Barbara grew up in a suburb of Philadelphia.

We met while I was attending The Philadelphia Divinity School in West Philadelphia where I received an M.Div. degree in 1972, and I was ordained a deacon and priest in the same year.  I went to seminary directly from college. I earned an A.B. degree from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA.  For 5 years of my ministry I was a traveling evangelist, sharing the story of our Lord and his presence and power in a different church every weekend.

What I have always loved about New Covenant is the blending of the charismatic, the evangelical, and the sacramental aspects of the Faith. And what still gets me up in the morning is seeing people change, seeing people encounter the living Lord.  I just love to see hearts changed by the Holy Spirit.