A Heritage Rooted in the Oxnard Plain
St. John's Lutheran Church has stood at 1500 N. C Street in Oxnard since 1950, but the congregation's roots reach back to 1900, when a group of German immigrant sugar beet farmers gathered on the Oxnard Plain. They prayed together, ministered to one another, and out of that shared life the church was born. Over the decades, the congregation grew as it proclaimed the gospel across Ventura County, outgrew two earlier locations, and eventually settled into its current home.
For seventy years, St. John's ran a day school on the property that served families throughout the surrounding community. The congregation also planted Spanish-speaking churches in Carpinteria, Santa Paula, and Oxnard, and those daughter congregations recently planted a church in Oaxaca, Mexico. The verse "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9) captures the spirit of a body that has kept sending out new works for more than a century.
Sunday Worship at 9:30
Worship takes place every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Visitors enter through the glass door by the large gazebo on the side of the building, where a greeter team is waiting. Services are relaxed yet focused, blending ancient elements of historical worship with modern worship songs and a sermon meant to speak to daily life. Communion is celebrated every week, and St. John's teaches that in the Lord's Supper the real presence of Christ's body and blood is given in, with, and under the bread and wine.
What to wear is up to the visitor. Some wear a tie, others wear a t-shirt, and all are welcome. After the service, the congregation gathers for coffee and treats before breaking into Sunday School classes.
Sunday School for Every Age
Sunday School begins right after worship. Pre-K and elementary children meet in the Sunday School Room, middle and high schoolers meet in the Patio Room next to the church office, and adults gather in the Library. The aim is to give every age a place to study Scripture, ask honest questions, and be encouraged to walk with Christ alongside others.
What St. John's Believes
St. John's is associated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and embraces the scriptural truths that inspired the Reformation: that men, women, and children are sinners, rescued from the effects of sin purely by the unearned mercy of God shown at the cross, and that salvation comes by grace through faith alone, apart from works.
The Bible is confessed as the inspired Word of God and the foundation for all the church's teaching and practice. St. John's proclaims the Triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - as set forth in the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. Alongside Word and faith, the congregation holds that God is actively at work through baptism and the Lord's Supper, mysterious gifts through which he saves and sustains his people.
Royal Family Kids Camp
Royal Family Kids Camp is one of St. John's signature ministries. Every summer, the church hosts a free, week-long day camp for children in foster care, ages 7 to 11. Campers swim, hike, play games, sing songs, and hear Bible stories in a safe, supportive environment designed to build resiliency, self-esteem, and lasting memories. The congregation describes it as a way of sharing the love of Jesus with kids who need it most, and the church regularly holds fundraisers to support the camp.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School brings children ages 4 to 10 together each summer for games, stories, crafts, and friendship. The 2026 theme is "Let Your Light Shine," exploring the light God shines into our lives and how to reflect that light every day. Parents are encouraged to stay and participate, and the week ends with a water day. The cost is $10 per child, capped at $25 per family.
Men's, Women's, and Book Club Gatherings
Men meet on the first Saturday of each month for breakfast, fellowship, prayer, and encouragement - a regular morning of iron sharpening iron, with a focus on pointing one another to Jesus. Women gather on the second Saturday of each month in the library for prayer, fellowship, Scripture, and refreshments. A monthly book club discusses Christian titles together, with recent selections including The Quiet Ambition by Ryan Tinetti.
Staff and Leadership
Todd Niebling has served as Senior Pastor since 2021. Before coming to St. John's, he and his family planted a church in the Antelope Valley in northern Los Angeles County. Mikaela Roth grew up at St. John's and has been serving in music since high school; she now serves as Worship Director and leads the church's communications work. Vivian Moore has served as the church's secretary since 2006 and helps with office coordination. The church office is open by appointment Monday through Friday.
Joining from Anywhere
For those unable to attend in person, St. John's livestreams its worship services and adult Bible studies on its YouTube channel, where past services and study archives are also available. Giving is accepted online through a secure giving portal, and a Plan a Visit page walks newcomers through directions and practical details for a first Sunday.