“Worship is more than just a topic, setlist, genre, or a label. It truly is a lifestyle, posture and an intentional act. And so I set my heart on worship as the motivation and inspiration behind everything I do and create.”

— Ciara Reyes-Ton, Founder of the Mount Carmell Worship Collective

Photo Credit: Jeremy Cowart

Meet our founder

Ciara Reyes-Ton is a science communicator and singer-songwriter who is passionate about working with diverse audiences, from the students she teaches to the faith communities she’s served, and the people she’s written for.

Organizations I’ve worked with or for…

Science

I’m a Biologist by training with a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan.

I have worked as an educator for about 8 years teaching college and graduate level biology classes, from intro biology and anatomy and physiology to science communication. I’ve worked in science communication primarily to faith communities for several years, mostly as a writer, but I’ve also helped served on and organize workshops and panels, including an interfaith panel at the 2022 National Science Writers Association (NASW) conference.

I recently founded the Science Communicators of Faith, an affiliate group through the American Scientific Affiliation (ASA) that aims to provide community and foster collaboration for science communicators, in a Christ-centered context. I was also recently selected as a Sinai and Synapses Fellow.

Faith

I’m a writer who has written articles exploring the intersection of faith and science for magazines and blogs such as Christianity Today, BioLogos, Science for the Church, Orbiter Magazine , God & Nature Magazine and the Emerging Scholars Network blog. You can access an abridged portfolio of my writing here, or subscribe to my Substack “Wonder and Worship” here.

I’ve also worked extensively as an editor, previously serving as Digital Content Editor for BioLogos, Editor for Peaceful Science, and Managing Editor for God & Nature Magazine. I’ve done some journalism as well, most notably receiving a Diversity Grant from the National Association for Science Writers (NASW) to write stories that brought attention to positive examples of Churches of Color addressing COVID and other health disparities in their communities.

I’ve contributed a book chapter to the small group discussion guide: “Science and Faith: Student Questions Explored,” as well an entry in the Climate Vigil worship guide. I’ve also authored the devotional book “Look Closely.” It explores the life of Christ by bringing scripture in conversation with science, from water walking lizards to dividing cells and resurrecting corals.

Arts

I’m a singer, songwriter, and musician. I sing from my heart and with my soul. My lyrics explore deep questions and ideas from identity and purpose to love and awe and wonder about God and science. My style ranges from acoustic folk and inspirational to gospel and worship.

Growing up, I sang a lot of R&B and gospel music and released some songs. Later I started an acoustic folk band with her sister called “Sweet Rosebud.” Recently, I’ve released music under my band name “Mount Carmell,” including a faith and science worship song, “To Become Human,” and a love song called “I Really Love You.” I’ve also performed at the BlueBird Cafe, at the Gospel Music DOVE Showcase and onstage with Francis Collins at a Faith and Science conference.

These days, my music has shifted to be less about myself as an artist and more focused on worship. I recently founded the Mount Carmell Worship Collective, a faith, science, and arts collective. We write songs for the Church, lead science communication workshops, science-themed bible studies, and host creative events like art and science exhibits. Our goal is to inspire a movement of worshipers and creatives, and help remove barriers of entry and access to sharing our work with the Church and the world. I also write poetry that has been featured in God & Nature Magazine and Calla Press.

I’m a Worshiper

Worship is how I feel closest to God, and I love sharing that experience with others as a worship leader. At its core, worship is an intentional act—I put myself in a posture that is deliberate, seeking to experience something and someone greater than myself. It’s an invitation to the already all present God that I am ready to encounter him, and want to hear what he has to say. Science, faith, writing, and music are my passions—they’re all acts of worship.

Leading worship at the Lipscomb University McClure Faith and Science Center.

Leading worship at the Lipscomb University McClure Faith and Science Center.

Marching at the March for Science and Climate Change.

Marching at the March for Science and Climate Change.

Singing with Francis Collins at an American Scientific Affiliation conference.

Singing with Francis Collins at an American Scientific Affiliation conference.

Singing at a Dove Awards Showcase.

Singing at a Dove Awards Showcase.

Behind the scenes recording "To Become Human" with Grant Argent on guitar.

Behind the scenes recording "To Become Human" with Grant Argent on guitar.

Singing during Battle of the Bands with my band Sweet Rosebud. We wont first place and audience favorite.

Singing during Battle of the Bands with my band Sweet Rosebud. We wont first place and audience favorite.

Singing at a local coffeeshop open mic.

Singing at a local coffeeshop open mic.

Recording "Love at First Sight" submission for the NPR Tiny Desk Contest.

Recording "Love at First Sight" submission for the NPR Tiny Desk Contest.