Presbyterian Women: Synod of the Sun

Lori Black

Lori Black was born in Texas and grew up on a small ranch outside of Gonzales, Texas. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in faith, as she regularly attended the Presbyterian Church in her community. Her mother was an active Presbyterian Woman, and her joy and dedication in that role inspired Lori to follow in her footsteps.

After completing her studies at Texas Tech University (Wreck ‘Em), she married Chad Black and they made their home in Round Rock, Texas. Her degree was in Architecture and Business, which led Lori to her current position as a Construction Project Manager for Leander ISD.

She has been a member of Grace Presbyterian Church of Round Rock for many years and has served as a Deacon and Ruling Elder on the Session. Her involvement in the church has included working with children, youth (traveling with them to mid-winters at Mo-Ranch), and serving on the Fellowship Committee, among other roles.

At one point, Lori was approached by a member of the PW Search Committee for Mission Presbytery to consider serving as the Austin Cluster Leader. After accepting that position, she moved on to become Co-Moderator of Presbyterian Women (PW) for Mission Presbytery and has held this role for several years.

Lori’s husband works from home as a Mechanical Engineer. Together, they have three children: Dylan (23), Hannah (20), and Emily (16). In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, growing plants, traveling, and spending time with family.

She looks forward to serving on the Synod of the Sun PWCT and continuing her journey of faith and service within the Presbyterian community.

Patty Minga

I am first and foremost a child of God. I have 2 sons, 4 granddaughters, 1 great-grandson. I have been a widow for 15 years. I have been active in the Presbyterian church since the middle 90s. I have been active in PWs for about the last 10 years. I have served on the Arkansas PWCT as co-moderator for the last 3 years. I am very active in my community in several organizations. I teach a Sunday school class, and teach twice a month at a women’s ministry. I serve on a Presbytery committee and on the board of “The Call” (a ministry that works with foster children). I am a ruling elder and presently serving in the session of my church. I love
reading, cooking, doing puzzles, doing things with my biological family
and my church family. I love the abundant life Christ has given me to live.

Beth Mullins

I’m Beth Mullins, born and raised in Mississippi, but have lived in Texas since 1975. I’m a mother of a son, who is married and has 4 children, so I’m a happy grandmother! My husband and I lived in Tarrant County, in Fort Worth and Arlington until we retired and moved to Abilene, TX, to be close to our son’s family. My husband and I both have music education degrees, then decided to get master’s degrees in other fields. I was a librarian in public, school, law, and college libraries for 40 years, but was always involved in music as a pianist and singer. My husband and I have been married for 51 years, but we only became Presbyterians in 2020 when we moved to Abilene and found our wonderful church home—First Central Presbyterian Church of Abilene. I’ve been involved in our church PW team for 5 years, serving as Moderator-Elect, Moderator, and now Synod/Presbytery representative.

Charlene Fleener Germany

Charlene is beginning her service as the Historian/Horizons Representative for the Synod of the Sun PW Coordinating Team (2025-2028). She served as PW
Representative for Palo Duro Presbytery for 4 years. In her local church, First Central Presbyterian in Abilene, Texas she is an Elder, a Stephen Minister, one of the Coordinators of the Food Pantry, and a choir member. She served in several positions in her church PW. Charlene, a retired educator, taught 17 years in the Texas public school system and 18 years as an Associate Professor at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

Charlene has been married to Ray Germany, a retired electrical engineer, for three years. They met several years after retiring while taking a watercolor class. Between them they are very proud of their four children and five grandchildren.