Scripture Untangled

Season 12: Episode 4 | Bev Foster | How Can Scripture and Music Work Together to Bring Healing?

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In this episode, Bev and Andrew discuss:

• How Scripture became an anchor through Psalms, prayer, and daily rhythms.

• Why Psalm 90:12 continues to shape Bev’s understanding of time, stewardship, and wisdom.

• How she reads the Bible relationally rather than academically.

• Bev’s experience of singing hymns at a hospital bedside and discovering music’s sacred power.

• How Room 217 Foundation was born from loss, love, and calling, and how she is now teaching caregivers across Canada to integrate music into care.

• How prayer and surrender are central themes in Biblical worship.

• How we can pray Scripture over music, ministry, and caregiving.

Bev Foster is an experienced musician and music educator having taught music in both elementary and secondary schools and her private studio. She has freelanced as conductor, accompanist, clinician and solo performer in community projects as well as leading initiatives such as the Ontario Vocal Festival, and David Festival. Bev has degrees in music education from the University of Toronto, and a piano performance degree from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Bev lives with her husband Rob in Port Perry, ON. They have four adult children and five grandchildren.

Currently, Bev is the Founder and Executive Director of the Room 217 Foundation, a Canadian health arts social enterprise. She has successfully innovated the music care approach which includes products, education, training, and certification to effectively integrate music into the care experience.

Bev is a Community Research Fellow of the Laurier Centre for Music in the Community. Bev speaks and writes on the power of music, especially in life limiting situations. Her passion for music enhancing quality of life and care is contagious. Over the years, Bev has released 4 solo albums of original music chronicling her faith journey, 4 family albums of original songs, and in her work with Room 217, produced four collections (24 music albums) for palliative and end-of-life care. In 2022, the Diverse Sounds Collection was named Innovation of the Year at the International Palliative Care Conference.

Bev continues to be available on a select basis for conference speaking and contemplative worship leading. Connect with Bev by visiting bevfoster.com. You will also find Bev active on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling was the Senior Minister of Timothy Eaton Memorial United Church in Toronto, one of Canada’s largest United Church congregations and was responsible for leadership and administration at Timothy Eaton from 1998 until his more recent retirement. Overseeing staff, providing visionary leadership, acting as the public representative of over 1,500 members and managing a dynamic and ever-evolving ministry to the city of Toronto and beyond.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Law from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, a Master of Divinity from the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, Nova Scotia and a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. In 2008, Wycliffe College, Toronto, recognized his contribution to preaching with an honorary Doctor of Divinity.

Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling is now the Ambassador for the Canadian Bible Society building relationships with churches, academic institutions and individuals across Canada.