Upcycling and Lent: When Generations Come Together for Good

“Sewing brings us together!” exclaimed Rebecca Meier, co-organizer of the Lenten Upcycling project at Gut Hirt/Good Shepherd parish communities. She and ten other women from both parish communities of different generations collaborated to “sew” new life into perfectly good Lenten decorations and fundraise for a good cause. Rebecca, a young woman with a ready smile, expressed enthusiasm for the Upcycling idea and delight at how sewing brings generations together.

Every two years, Fastenaktion and Misereor commission artists from around the world to design and create inspirational cloth banners to adorn churches during Lent with proceeds going to support the organisations' humanitarian operations. After the season is over, however, these beautiful works of art are stored away, rarely seeing the light of day again. Gathering sewing machines, spools, thread, and goodwill, Rebecca, Elfriedi and nine others took past Lenten banners and sewed out of them attractive, multiuse cloth bags of three different sizes and uses. At a stand at the Fastensuppe fellowship on 22 February at Good Shepherd/Gut Hirt, the women sold 62 bags in all with proceeds going to support the parishes’ 2026 Lenten project on fighting cyclical hunger in Sénégal. A big, warm thank you to Rebecca, Elfriedi and team and to all those who purchased the Upcycling bags!

Top photo: K. Curjel
Bottom photo: Upcycling participant