The Five Questions Adult RE Offering

You are invited to explore The Five Questions, an adult religious education journey, for 6 Wednesdays, beginning April 9. 

The Five Questions is a course that has proven to be a transformative experience for hundreds of individuals in dozens of groups that I have led in various Unitarian Universalist congregations across the country over nearly 30 years of ministry.  Some of the contents are based on earlier work by Rev. Richard S. Gilbert and much of it arises from the efforts of Rev. Charlie Cast, both of whom are esteemed mentors and colleagues.

-Rev. Charles Blustein Ortman 

Past participants find The Five Questions journey to be spiritually uplifting and fulfilling. The process is based on intentional exposure to and the exploration of The Five Questions:

What does it mean to be human?
How do I know what I know?
Who or what is in charge?
What is the meaning of life?
What is the meaning of death? 

Space is strictly limited to ensure participants get the most out of their time together. We will meet virtually on April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, and 14. If you are unable to attend 5 or more sessions, please allow others to have your seat. There will be other opportunities to experience this course.

Guiding this journey is Rev. Charles Blustein Ortman, who developed the course while the settled minister at UU Congregation at Montclair, NJ. 

Rev. Charles Blustein Ortman In his own words:

I had the great fortune of falling in with the wrong crowd at an early age. In the end, it has opened up all kinds of wonderful possibilities for a life that I'm so very grateful for. Alternative service as a Conscientious Objector during the Vietnam War led me into a career in Social Work for many years. Being a child of the 50s and 60s opened me up to communication through music and a two-decade career in that field, which literally took me all around the world. Meeting, marrying and living with Judy Blustein Ortman for the past 47 years has provided a partnership that has been central to my life and my ministry. Being an at home father during the early years of our three children's lives was perhaps my most precious career. Although I must say that now, being the grandparent of five beautiful children rivals my position as father for being most precious!

I was introduced to Unitarian Universalism at the UU Church in Stockton IL. and have been a UU ever since. The UU’s strong emphasis on social justice fit well with my own religious and spiritual sensitivities. After graduating from Meadville/Lombard Theological School at the University of Chicago, I was ordained to the UU ministry in 1992. I was elected and served on the Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees, and over the years have served congregations in Burlington, IA, Fitchburg, MA, and Montclair, NJ. I had the great privilege of serving in Montclair for 20 years and "retired" as Minister Emeritus in 2015. I came to First Unitarian Church in Providence to serve as Interim Minister for two years. We loved it here so much we chose it as our new permanent home. I now serve as the Commissioner on Immigration for the Rhode Island State Council of Churches. 

Registration