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Once-defrocked Methodist pastor Frank Schaefer starts over in California

Frank Schaefer practices the morning worship music with pianist Jisoo Choi, a UCSB student, before a service at University Church in Isla Vista.

Frank Schaefer practices the morning worship music with pianist Jisoo Choi, a UCSB student, before a service at University Church in Isla Vista.  (Dan Krauss / For The Times)

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A year after being defrocked by the United Methodist Church for presiding over his gay son’s wedding, pastor Frank Schaefer has been invited to California to preside over a Methodist church in Isla Vista.

A new church in Isla Vista

Frank Schaefer’s new church is small, but he’s happy just to be leading a congregation again.  (Dan Krauss / For The Times)

Sunday service

Frank Schaefer leads a recent Sunday morning worship service at University Church in Isla Vista.  (Dan Krauss / For The Times)

Leading again

Frank Schaefer comes from Pennsylvania with a reputation for leading youthful, contemporary services.  (Dan Krauss / For The Times)

Reinstated

Frank Schaefer, right, after a United Methodist Church panel voted in June to overturn his defrocking for presiding over his gay son’s wedding.  (Matt Rourke / Associated Press)

Church trial

Frank Schaefer, second from left, sings hymns with supporters on Nov. 19, 2013, after his sentencing in Spring City, Pa., for officiating his gay son’s wedding in 2007.  (Chris Knight / Associated Press)

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