WINCHESTER, Va.—The Rev. Hilary Smith, 36, has worked to revive a dwindling congregation of St. Paul's on-the-Hill Episcopal Church by reaching out to its youngest members, according to an article in the Winchester Star.

Smith became the church's first woman minister in September 2003. She stepped into leadership during a difficult transition for the 110-member congregation whose former minister retired. According to the Star, attendance was dwindling and there was no youth group. The church had $187 in its checking account and was drawing on a reserve fund to pay the bills.

But with the help of church members and one part-time music director, Smith is working to rebuild St. Paul's. Smith has applied for a grant from the diocese to expand the music program. The St. Paul's Web site is up and running (www.spoth.org). And for the last three months, income has exceeded expenses.

Since September, the church has added 40 new people to the congregation and attendance is back up to 75 or 80 on Sunday mornings. The youth group now has four members.

Susan Baker, a St. Paul's member for nine years, said she particularly likes how Smith has reached out to the youngest members of the congregation.

"With her warm personality, she is getting us back on track," Baker said.

Smith calls the children to the front of the sanctuary for a special prayer each Sunday. She blesses them and all the children of the world. Once a month she gives a special children's sermon.

Smith created a Harry Potter-themed Vacation Bible School program with activities that involve adults. The program compares Potter stories to Bible stories.

For example, just as Harry discovered his true calling as a wizard, Moses discovered his calling as God's chosen leader to deliver the Hebrews out of Egypt.

Smith has even convinced the adults to dress up like professors at Hogwarts, the school Harry attends.

"It's programs like that that are really exciting and bringing new life into the church," said Kathleen Beard, who with her husband, Eric, and their three children has attended St. Paul's for a little over a year. "She has brought a new energy that we haven't had before."

Smith's changes have not been without some raised eyebrows. One woman called to ask if she wasn't promoting sorcery with her Harry Potter Bible School.

Smith's response was to urge the woman to read Acts 17, in which Paul used his knowledge of the Athenians' culture and beliefs to witness about his faith in Christ.

"A major theme in Harry Potter is that of discovering one's identity and call in life," she said. "We will be explaining that God has given each of us gifts to share with the world."

Smith's Sunday sermons are prepared in much the same way. She speaks to adults seeking answers to spiritual questions, congregation members said.

"Her sermons are always on a level that's really easy to understand and relate to, and I haven't found that at other churches I've attended," Beard said.