Worshippers at St. John's United Methodist Church in Houston were greeted by a familiar face Sunday.
But in this case the visit by a former parishioner also happened to come from a name known around the world: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
The singer, Global Citizen, and co-founder of CHIME FOR CHANGE, visited her childhood church to give a speech and serve food to Harvey survivors. She also made a “significant donation,” Pastor Rudy Rasmus told E! News.
Take Action: Call on Congress to Help Get All Girls Into School
She was joined by her mother Tina Knowles, former Destiny's Child star Michelle Williams, and her daughter Blue Ivy.
“This today is a celebration of survival,” Beyoncé said. “Y’all are my family, Houston is my home, and I thank god that y’all are safe, that your children are safe.”
She also echoed a call to continue to help the victims of the hurricane that displaced an estimated 30,000 people in late August.
“I’ve been blessed so that I can bless other people,” she said, “and I ask you guys to continue to do that for other people.”
Read More: Beyoncé Makes Donation to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims
Beyoncé has worked with ‘Pastor Rudy,’ as he’s known by many, as well as her charity BeyGOOD, and the non-profit Bread of Life, Inc. to provide food and shelter to victims of the hurricane.
But their collaboration goes beyond the past couple of weeks.
“Over the years, I’ve worked with Beyoncé to help coordinate various humanitarian opportunities to impact places in the states and all over the world,” Pastor Rudy told NBC News. “She has partnered with Bread of Life to do food drives. We have addressed food insufficiency around the world, including countries in Africa and India, where people are really suffering. We’ve done great work with her.”
Global Citizen advocates for increasing food security around the world. You can take action here.
On Tuesday, the singer will continue her humanitarian efforts for her hometown, joining George Clooney, Oprah, Julia Roberts, and local Houston rapper Bun B at a Hurricane Harvey telethon.
Read More: Beyoncé, George Clooney, Oprah Are Hosting a Telethon for Harvey Relief
For Beyoncé, the suffering of her fellow Houstonians made for an “emotional” speech last night, according to audience members.
“The thing that really matters is your health and your children and your family and your life, and I just want to say I love you,” she said.