Meet Our Staff
Pastor
Rev. Timothy Biel Jr
Reverend Timothy Biel Jr. was appointed to Skokie Central United Methodist Church on June 1, 2018. Rev. Biel began preaching in the Northern Illinois Conference in 1993. Most recently he led the following congregations to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the world: Homewood: St. Andrew (2014-2018); Evergreen Park: First UMC (2008-2014); and Cary UMC (2003-2008). He specializes in Spiritual Formation and Congregation Development.
He earned degrees from Garret E.T.S. at Northwestern University and North Central College. These schools gave him opportunities to enrich his faith by learning from a diversity of leaders: Christian missionaries and pastors, Jewish playwrights, artists and songwriters, Muslim clerics, and Buddhist monks, feminist and LGBTG advocates. He has a heart for all those seeking peace and divine grace in this life.
When Pastor Tim isn't active in church leadership he spends his time with his spouse, Victoria, and two sons. Together they enjoy organic-vegan gardening and cooking, sports, reading and spending time outdoors.
Rev. Adrienne Stricker
Deacon
Rev. Adrienne Stricker, Deacon (she/her/hers)
Adrienne has been in ministry since 2010, serving in Christian Education and
administration in the Chicagoland area in The Presbyterian Church USA, The United
Methodist Church, and the United Church of Christ. As an ordained Deacon in the
Northern Illinois Conference of The UMC, her call is to ministries of word, service,
compassion and justice. Adrienne was appointed to Central in 2018 as her secondary
appointment, the technical phrase for when a Deacon serves in another ministry setting or
church as their primary appointment. Her primary appointment is to First Congregational
Church of La Grange, IL. Adrienne graduated from Garrett-Evangelical Theological
Seminary in 2009. She is an enrolled member of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe
(Kingston, WA) and has served in Native American ministries for over ten years. She has
also served on the Board of Ordained Ministry for the Northern Illinois Conference and as
the co-chair of the Northern Illinois Order of Deacons. She lives in Addison, Illinois, with
her husband, Jonathan, and son, Samuel.
Millete Silverio
Chancel Choir Director/Organist/Pianist
What a treasured talent we have in Millete! Having joined the CUMC staff in 1997, Millete still impresses the congregation, often moving us to tears, with her beautiful playing. She also accompanies the Chancel and Children’s Choirs as well as soloists and instrumentalists. Working with the Music Team and guest artists, Millete works hard to bring impactful, lively, unique musical arrangements to CUMC.
Millete began playing piano at the age of three with her mother as her first teacher and continued through college. In sixth grade she was one of the soloists that performed with the UP Symphony Orchestra. In college she joined the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus and the world renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers performing for royalty and heads of states and outreach programs. She had the privilege of traveling with them in Asia and on a six-month tour of Europe concertizing and joining choral competitions bringing home top awards.
In the Philippines, she was an accompanist for soloists, instrumentalist and choirs. She was resident pianist for the Repertory Philippines, the premier theater company. Last but not least, she was a keyboardist for a famous rock band in the Philippines.
Doris Bloom
Church Administrator
Doris joined the office staff in September of 2011 as a job sharing partner. As a member of CUMC since 1975, Doris has volunteered for many years helping in the church office with finances and the first website. Her history with the church makes her a vital part of the daily office activities.
She grew up in Minnesota graduating from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in education. Her early career was as an elementary school teacher, and then joined North Central Airlines as a stewardess until the birth of her son, David. Her husband of 47 years passed away in 2009.
She supports the arts community as member of the Chicago Botanic Garden and a subscriber of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony and Northlight Theater.
Pam Castaneda
Church Administrator
Pam joined the office staff in 2013 as a job-sharing partner. She joined Central, in December 1987. She has been a member of the Trustees and is active in UMW. She has also organized programs for various speakers during the '80s.
Pam was in the Women's Royal Air Force in England for 5 years. While posted in Fontainebleau, France, she met her husband, Raul.
She worked in various law offices in Chicago as an administrative assistant.
She has been married for 50 years and has one son and three grandchildren.
Ellen Mittman
Nursery Attendant
Ellen has been the nursery attendant since 2001.
She has two certificates in early childhood education--one in infant care and one in 3 to 5-year-old care. She graduated from New Trier High School.
She loves working with children.