THE DEVELOPMENT OF
WARREN’S COMMUNITY DINNER TABLE
It was a cold Thursday afternoon in January 1995 when Sharyl Schaepe came to appreciate why it was important to feed God’s sheep. On this day, she was called by one of the nurses at the VA medical center where she worked, at the request of one of her patients. The nurse was trying to locate a priest who had served in the military. Sharyl had been serving veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs for the past 24 years as the Chief of Voluntary Services, and she normally didn’t get this type of call, but on this particular day she was filling in for the patient advocate and there were no chaplains on duty. The nurse was hoping Sharyl might be able to help. Her first reaction was amazement and she couldn’t believe she got the call. Then she realized the parish minister of her church was active in the National Guard (coincidence?) and she told the nurse she would see what she could do and get back with her.
Immediately, she called Father Don Davidson asking him if he would be available to come make a hospital visit; replying “yes”, Sharyl then went to the veteran’s bedside confident she could fulfill his request. It was there where she met Warren, a Vietnam veteran who was dying; confined to bed, listless, a shell of a man, but very much alert and aware of what he was asking. Sharyl introduced herself and informed Warren she was able to get her priest, who was active in the National Guard, to come visit him as he requested. Warren explained when he was on the front lines in Vietnam, a priest ministered to him and his buddies and before he departed from this world, he wanted to talk to a priest who served in the military. She asked Warren if he was baptized and he indicated no. She asked if he would like to be and he replied, “I don’t know, I guess so.”
Sharyl left Warren’s bedside knowing God’s spirit was at work but unsure how she could help. She called Father Don explaining the situation and to be prepared for anything. Warren and Father Don spent several hours visiting about his experiences in Vietnam, experiences that had haunted Warren for years. Later that evening an emotional Father Don called Sharyl informing her their visit was very special and with his nurses at his side, Warren was baptized receiving his first communion and last rites, as well as becoming a new member of Christ Church Episcopal.
Later that week, a social worker who had worked with Warren over the years as he tried to readjust to civilian life, sought Sharyl out informing her, Warren was at peace for the first time since she had met him.
In the weeks that followed, Sharyl and Father Don continued to visit Warren, listening to his stories. Warren shared the story of being fed in a soup kitchen at a church in his home town of Western, Nebraska. His mom was single and they were often hungry; so, once a week they would attend the church’s soup kitchen where they were fed. He was thankful for the priest who ministered to him and his buddies while in the jungles of Vietnam. He was also thankful for Father Don who helped him find comfort and peace and brought him the gift of salvation as he lied dying.
On the day Warren passed, Sharyl was again filling in for the patient advocate, when the unit nurse asked her to come to Warren’s room as a friend of his needed someone to visit with. They talked for a while; Sharyl then called Father Don, who was able to provide comfort to Warren’s family and friends. Warren was laid to rest in his home town several days later. Warren helped Sharyl appreciate the true meaning of God’s love knowing Jesus was with him as a young child and at the time of his death. The love of Jesus comforted Warren at his most trying times and when he was ready to receive the gift of grace, Jesus was there.
Warren inspired Sharyl by teaching her the importance of feeding God’s sheep and guiding her with the idea of starting a feeding ministry in Warren’s memory. Sharyl was a member of Christ Church Episcopal and shared Warren’s story with the women of Evening Guild. The guild supported her passion of starting the ministry by donating $500.00 for startup expenses. The church Vestry approved and appointed a committee to develop a plan for a community wide feeding ministry. The Beatrice Ministerial Association also supported the program by recruiting church members to prepare and host a meal. In September 2000, the working committee developed a plan, schedule, and guidelines. The name for the new ministry would be known as Warren’s Community Dinner Table (WCDT).
On January 23, 2001 the first meal was served; ten members from Christ Church Episcopal volunteered to host the meal, preparing food for 100 and serving only 3. However, by March 2001 with the help of 11 area churches, an average bi-monthly attendance was about forty and within a couple years meals were being served every Tuesday. As of 2025, our weekly average indoor/outdoor meals served range from 110-120 and our highest total served that year was 157.
In 2006 Sharly moved to New Orleans; the board elected Rhoda Pethoud as president and I came on as a new board member taking on the duties of scheduler and treasurer. Rhoda and I shared monthly oversight duties of those serving the weekly meals addressing any issues that may arise; by 2008 the board of directors decided to disband. Rhoda passed away in 2012, and I took over as primary coordinator.
When COVID hit, we were fortunate our doors were only closed for a short period of time; from the middle of February to the middle of May 2020. Adhering to CDC guidelines, we provided a carry out meal, which was assembled in the church kitchen and picked up in the church parking lot. Much to our surprise those who previously attended Warrens, parked their cars, bikes, or scooters in the shade eating their meal, catching up with one another while others took their meals home.
In October of 2020 indoor dining resumed. Our core group from Christ Church along with organizations who serve meals more than 1 or 2 times a year, felt we should continue the carry out service. Over the last few years, folks ask how long we plan to provide carry out meals. This is something we evaluate through the year. The participating organizations understand that our guest may be picking up a meal for a family member, friend, or neighbor who has a physical or medical condition, or someone who doesn’t drive, or maybe they don’t feel comfortable coming inside. There are some who ask for prayers while they wait or get out of their vehicles to visit with one another. The biggest eye opener we experienced in the fall and winter months of 2024, were the number of people living in the cars. We have numerous guests telling us it’s nice they have the option of coming inside to dine or driving through depending on their situation.
Organizations participating in this weekly ministry aren’t just local and surrounding churches; we have 4H Clubs, Tri-County Spanish Club, The Scouts, St. Paul Lutheran School, and some families.
Warrens is a non-profit organization receiving funds through donations which are used to purchase paper and plastic products, condiments, drink and food products.
We also have received donations of leftover food from funerals and fund raisers; Van Borkums has donated a lot of products that are close to expiring that can be given to our guests or an organization when preparing their meal.
If you know of anyone interested in participating with our weekly ministry or making a monetary donate, please contact Barb at 402-806-1667, Steph, or call Christ Church Episcopal at 402-223-5515
WCDT MISSION
WCDT is a place where Christians give thanks for God’s goodness by demonstrating Christ’s love in hosting a weekly dinner and inviting all of God’s people to the table. WCDT is more than a “soup kitchen”. We believe each person who comes to WCDT is there because they need to be fed, nourished and obtain fellowship. WCDT is a place where all people are treated equally and where everyone is welcomed.
Sunday Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 A.M
