My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.—Psalm 108:1

Psalm 108 is a song stitched together from memory, a tapestry of faith woven from King David’s earlier words. Some lines come from a time when he fled for his life, and others from a moment when his nation faced defeat. Out of both struggle and praise, he creates something new—a melody of confidence in God’s faithfulness. It is as if David gathers fragments of his past, his prayers, his songs, his memories, and sings them again as a declaration of hope. That same truth lies at the centre of Singing by Heart, The Salvation Army’s dementia-friendly music program. Even when words falter or memories fade, the song remains, a thread that reconnects us to who we are, to one another and to the God who never forgets us.

The idea for Singing by Heart first took shape in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. It is a simple, yet powerful resource created for people living with dementia, built on the belief that music has a unique ability to reach the heart and awaken memory. Each Singing by Heart session brings together a mix of well-loved secular and sacred songs, introduced with a verse of Scripture and ending in prayer. The familiar melodies invite participation, laughter and reflection, while also giving caregivers time to relax, connect with others and share in the joy of music together. 

In Canada and Bermuda, Singing by Heart has come to life through a partnership between the community mission department and music and arts ministries at territorial headquarters. Working closely with our colleagues in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, the team focused on adapting the resource for the Canadian context, ensuring the language, song selections and delivery reflected the diversity and character of our communities. As part of this process, a memorandum of understanding was established with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario to collaborate on the development and delivery of dementia awareness training for Salvation Army ministry units. This partnership strengthens the program’s foundation, equipping leaders and volunteers with greater understanding and confidence as they engage participants and caregivers.

The fall of 2025 brought a six-week pilot of Singing by Heart to North York Temple in Toronto, marking the first time the program had been introduced in the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Each week, participants, caregivers and volunteers gathered, greeted by familiar faces and familiar songs. The sessions followed a gentle rhythm of music, Scripture, reflection and prayer, creating space for joy, memory and worship to come together. From the strains of Amazing Grace and Moon River to the sound of laughter that filled the room, each gathering became a celebration of connection. And when the singing ended, the joy continued—tea, coffee and cake were shared as conversations flowed and friendships deepened. For many, those moments of fellowship were just as meaningful as the music itself.

Among the participants were Lori and her mother, Phyllis, from Toronto’s Etobicoke Temple. When they heard about the pilot, they jumped at the chance to take part, eager to share something meaningful together. For Lori, the experience has been transformative. She describes how having Singing by Heart to look forward to each week brought renewed energy and joy to her mom’s days.

“It gave us something special to share,” she reflected. “Mom is calmer and happier on the days we go. You can just see a lightness in her that carries through the week.”

Across Canada, more than 700,000 people are living with dementia, a number expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Yet behind every person diagnosed stands a network of family members, friends and caregivers who walk the journey alongside them. Singing by Heart recognizes that caring for someone with dementia is not only about medical or physical needs but also about nurturing the spirit of both the individual and the caregiver. Each session offers space for caregivers to pause, share in the joy of music and connect with others who understand their experience, reminding them that they are not alone.

The Singing by Heart pilot has reminded us that ministry can take many forms, sometimes as simple as a familiar melody shared in love. It shows that compassion and community still have the power to reach people where they are and lift their spirits. We are inviting Salvationists,  officers, employees and mission partners to explore how Singing by Heart can take root in your corps and community, and become a place where music helps us connect, belong and share joy together. In every song, we bear witness to a God whose love and faithfulness are constant and unchanging.

For more information on Singing by Heart and how your corps can get involved, visit salvationist.ca/sbh.

BRENDAN HILL is the chair of the territorial community care ministries work group and the territorial Pathway of Hope implementation co-ordinator in the community mission department.

Photos: Jerimi Jones