Winter in Arizona means the arrival of many visitors from out of state. At the Mesa Palms church, it also means Friday evening "Singspiration," a 7 p.m. service of praising God with hymn singing, readings and special music events.

Organized in the 1980s, this program runs from October through March each year and is attended by many from the East Valley — Mesa, Apache Junction, Tempe. With 70 to several hundred in attendance, Singspiration always makes room for more.

The Mesa Palms church is located at 6263 E. Thomas Road, Mesa. "Singspiration is a great place to invite friends and family for an evening of joyful praise," said Carol Crider of the Mesa Palms church. "It’s a fun time to see old friends — and to meet new ones."