Lutheran youth gather this weekend in Willmar, Minn.

WILLMAR -- About 1,200 young people and adults will gather this weekend at the Willmar Conference Center for an event planned and coordinated by the Southwest Minnesota Synod Lutheran Youth Organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The Southwest Minnesota Synod Junior High Youth Gathering is the largest event of its kind in the ELCA, which is comprised of 10,000 congregations according to the ELCA website.

The purpose of the Willmar weekend is "to have youth experience the love of God through music and speakers and nightlife and relationships,'' said Sarah Hausken of Olivia, youth ministry coordinator of the Southwest Minnesota Synod, ELCA.

The first youth arrive Friday, and the second group arrives Saturday.